In a vibrant display of political solidarity, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spearheaded a national rally in Iloilo City’s Mandurriao District, rallying support for the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate. The event, held on February 13, 2025, drew over 35,000 attendees at the Iloilo City Center, where Marcos proudly introduced the Alyansa as the only political group offering a full slate of candidates for all levels of government, from national positions to the smallest local councils.
The rally showcased all twelve senatorial candidates, including Representatives Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar, re-electionist Senators Francis Tolentino, Lito Lapid, Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, Pia Cayetano, and Imee Marcos, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, former senators Manny Pacquiao, Tito Sotto, and Panfilo Lacson, and former interior secretary Benhur Abalos. Before the rally, these candidates engaged with the press, emphasizing their dedication to enhancing infrastructure and tourism in the region.
Benhur Abalos, in particular, called on the Ilonggo community to support their group, highlighting the absence of an Ilonggo senator in the current Senate. He proposed initiatives like the development of Iloilo’s international airport and the ambitious Panay-Guimaras-Negros Occidental Bridge, stressing the importance of fostering an investment-friendly environment and job creation.
Senator Francis Tolentino supported the bridge project and endorsed the proposed 210-km Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway and a bus rapid transit system for Iloilo City. He envisioned Iloilo as a burgeoning hub for medical tourism, advocating for the enhancement of medical facilities and the redevelopment of the airport to boost the tourism sector. Tolentino also praised the Sunset Boulevard as a testament to urban renewal, suggesting further expansion to maximize its potential.
Camille Villar, with her roots in Iloilo, underscored the importance of infrastructure development and tourism growth, both of which she believes will stimulate the local economy and create employment opportunities.