By Junex Doronio
MANILA — With barely 40 days left before the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm elections, the newly-formed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas (ABP) still have to finalize its 12-strong Senate slate.
This was revealed on Wednesday (21 August 2024) in a press conference by House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin, a member of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party rebuffing an earlier claim by presidential sister Sen. Imee Marcos.
“Sa pagkakaalam namin, wala pang pinal na pinag-uusapan (As far as I know, there is nothing final yet). There were discussions among political party leaders, names were recommended, put forward, but this is just the first step,” Garin said.
Sen. Imee on Tuesday (20 August 2024) disclosed the line-up of senatorial candidates who will be endorsed by her brother President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the 2025 national and local elections.
She said the administration “decided” on Monday night (19 August 2024) the line up which is composed of the following senatorial candidates from various political parties:
Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP):
Manny Pacquiao
Benhur Abalos
Francis Tolentino
LAKAS-CMD:
Bong Revilla
Erwin Tulfo
Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC):
Tito Sotto
Ping Lacson
Lito Lapid
Abby Binay
Nacionalista Party (NP):
Pia Cayetano
Imee Marcos
Camille Villar
But Garin said a consultation among members of various political parties is still being conducted to reach a consensus.
“The final decision will rest on what the majority believes and of course, the clearance from our president and leaders of political parties. In other words, baka kuryente iyong lumabas,” Garin pointed out.
ia/mnm
