The administration-backed powerhouse Senate slate, Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, is set to hold a grand rally in Tacloban City, Leyte, on March 14, Friday, marking its ninth campaign stop as it seeks to consolidate support in key regions ahead of the May 2025 midterm elections.
With 1.4 million registered voters, Leyte has long been a political stronghold for the family of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
If the Ilocos Region is considered the bailiwick of the Marcoses in the north, Leyte is touted as their turf in the Visayas.
In the 2022 national elections, President Marcos secured 641,065 votes in the province, a decisive lead over his closest rival, who received only 99,207 votes.
Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, Alyansa’s campaign manager, expressed confidence that Leyteños would once again deliver strong support for the administration’s Senate slate.
“Leyte has always stood with President Marcos and his vision for a stronger Philippines. We believe the Leyteños will continue to support leaders who will work with the administration in delivering real progress,” Tiangco said.
The Alyansa ticket is composed of former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senator Lito Lapid, Senator Imee Marcos, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, ACT-CIS Representative and former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.
Leyte holds deep political significance for the Marcos family. It is the home province of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who once served as representative of Leyte’s first congressional district.
Tacloban City, in particular, has remained a reliable base of support for the administration, consistently delivering large majorities for President Marcos in past elections.
The Tacloban stop is expected to be a major event, where administration candidates will outline their platforms in line with the “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda, focusing on economic growth, infrastructure and social welfare programs.
“Tacloban is our ninth stop, and each leg of our campaign has only reinforced what we already know—Filipinos want stability, continuity and leadership that prioritizes national progress,” Tiangco said.
“Leyte will play a crucial role in ensuring that we have a Senate that will work alongside the administration,” he added.
As the campaign trail moves forward, the Alyansa is looking to maintain its momentum, betting that Leyte’s loyalty to the Marcos administration will remain as strong as ever.