In a bold display of confidence, the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates are riding the wave of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s success in Negros Oriental from the 2022 presidential elections. As they gear up for the May 2025 national and local elections, the candidates gathered at the Governor Mariano F. Perdices Memorial Coliseum in Dumaguete City for a press conference, expressing their optimism about securing a win in the region.
Former Senate president Vicente Sotto III, a key figure in the Alyansa lineup, emphasized the significance of the President’s endorsement. He stated that the experience and dedication of the 12 candidates to public service would resonate with the voters of Negros Oriental. Sotto’s confidence was echoed by former senator Panfilo Lacson, who highlighted the advantage of having a popular president’s backing.
Boxing legend and senatorial hopeful Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao also expressed his belief in the group’s potential to dominate the upcoming elections, particularly in Dumaguete, where Marcos secured a victory. Former local government secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. added that the President’s strong performance in the region would pave the way for their success.
ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo praised the President’s fulfillment of promises to the people of Negros Oriental, suggesting that this would translate into support for the Alyansa slate. Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar and Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay also pointed to Marcos’ contributions to peace, order, and economic development in the area as a positive factor for their campaign.
While the candidates are leveraging the President’s popularity, they also stressed the importance of their own track records and capabilities in their quest for Senate seats.