President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. raises the hands of candidates from the administration-backed “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” senatorial slate during a campaign rally in Trece Martires City, Cavite province, on Friday (March 21, 2024). The Alyansa ticket is fielding former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos; Makati City Mayor Abby Binay; incumbent Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Imee Marcos and Francis Tolentino; former senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao and Vicente Sotto III; and House lawmakers Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally endorsed the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate during a campaign rally at the New Provincial Capitol in Trece Martires City, Cavite.
Marcos described the coalition as a “dream team” composed of experienced and dedicated public servants who can help move the country forward.
“Why is it called Alyansa? Because we’ve brought together the best — the most skilled, the most experienced, and the most deeply committed to public service,” he said in Filipino.
The slate includes notable political figures: former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, incumbent Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Imee Marcos, and Francis Tolentino, as well as former Senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, and Vicente Sotto III. Also running under the coalition are House lawmakers Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar.
The candidates represent five major political parties: Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Nacionalista Party (NP), and National Unity Party (NUP).
Marcos highlighted Calabarzon’s strong economic growth, noting it has even outpaced Metro Manila. He said this performance justifies the administration’s continued focus on infrastructure and development projects in the region.
He urged voters to elect senators who are united and willing to work together to maintain the country’s upward trajectory.
In line with his recent statements, including during a rally in Leyte, Marcos emphasized the alliance’s commitment to peace, progress, and improving the lives of Filipinos. He reaffirmed his administration’s preference for diplomatic approaches in defending national sovereignty and rejected the use of violence in addressing illegal drugs and criminality.
Marcos also reiterated the government’s move to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) due to their alleged involvement in criminal activities, saying the administration is prioritizing the creation of legitimate and stable job opportunities.
“We must come together in choosing leaders who are faithful to their duties, firm in their convictions, and ready to serve so that our lives may become more prosperous,” Marcos said.
