The administration-backed senatorial slate ‘‘Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’’ is set to hold its proclamation rally at Carmen Municipal Park and Plaza in Davao del Norte today, fresh from successful campaign sorties in Luzon and Visayas.
Mindanao is considered as the bailiwick of the Duterte clan and their allies in the opposition, who have put up their own senatorial slate, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest for votes in the region.
Still, ‘Alyansa’ is banking on President Marcos’ landslide victory in Davao del Norte in 2022, where he secured 470,000 votes out of 577,781 registered voters.
That was equivalent to 81 percent of votes cast in this part of the country in the 2022 presidential elections.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, meanwhile, criticized the President for failing to live up to his promise of lowering the price of rice to P20 per kilo.
“I think the Marcos government has fallen short… Ako hindi ko ma-compare kasi pwede kong sabihin mas mabuti siya ngayon kaysa aking panahon. I can’t even conceive na ganun ang nangyayari,” Duterte said in his speech during the proclamation rally of his senatorial bets on Thursday at Club Filipino.
Duterte claimed his successor failed to curb illegal drugs, corruption, criminality and the rising costs of food prices. He cited these issues as key reasons behind his endorsement of PDP’s nine candidates, including his two loyalists—Senators Christopher Lawrence Go and Ronald dela Rosa.
Malacañang however refused to comment on the latest tirades made by Duterte.
“No comment,” PCO Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez told Palace reporters.
Alyansa campaign manager and Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco said he expects the same level of support for the coalition’s 12-member ticket.
“Just as they stood behind PBBM, we believe our Mindanaoan brothers and sisters will back our Senate slate, which shares his vision for progress,” Tiangco said.
Alyansa’s candidates include former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay, Senator Pia Cayetano, former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senator Lito Lapid, Senator Imee Marcos, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.
“These are proven leaders with the experience and track record to serve the Filipino people,” Tiangco said.
Alyansa’s campaign kicked off in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte—the President’s home turf—on February 11, marking the start of the 90-day campaign period.
The administration candidates then brought their message on February 13 to Iloilo province, a key stronghold in the Visayas with over 13.44 million voters and a high voter turnout of 86 percent in the last election.
These regional launches, according to Tiangco, reflect the administration’s commitment to economic growth, infrastructure expansion and social welfare programs.
The next stop is Pasay City, the launching pad for Alyansa’s National Capital Region campaign leg.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “‘Alyansa’ brings Mindanao campaign to Davao del Norte.”