MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured voters Thursday (20 Feb 2025) that the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ senatorial candidates aim to protect and promote public interests, not to instill fear.

During a rally in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Marcos emphasized that the Alyansa’s candidates, hailing from various political parties, are united in their goal to advance the welfare of Filipinos.

“Our direction is clear,” Marcos said. “We aim to develop the Philippines, not oppress it. Development is the solution, not fear. We need to improve how our government operates.”

He underscored that the Alyansa candidates are committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and rights with dignity and diplomacy.

Marcos reiterated the administration’s stance of standing firm on territorial integrity, vowing not to cede even an inch of Philippine territory to foreign powers. He also criticized violent anti-drug campaigns and the illegal operations of the former Philippine offshore gaming industry, suggesting that these are not the solutions to the country’s problems. Instead, he called for stronger laws, law enforcement, and local support.

The Alyansa, which brings together five major political parties—Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Nacionalista Party (NP), and National Unity Party (NUP)—has fielded a 12-member slate. Notable candidates include former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, Senators Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Imee Marcos, and Francis Tolentino, as well as former senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, and Vicente Sotto III, and House Representatives Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar.

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By Celeste Tamayo

MANILA — The Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas has no plans to replace Senator Imee Marcos in the administration’s senatorial slate, despite her statement about running as an independent candidate.

During a meet-and-greet with the media, Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco, campaign manager for the admin slate, clarified that they will continue to campaign for the senator.

“Definitely no plans to replace Senator Imee. That’s 100 percent; she’s part of the Alyansa candidates,” Tiangco said.

He also mentioned that the senator did not indicate that she would be unable to attend the final campaign sortie of the slate.

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