President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. rallied support for the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates at a campaign event held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City. Marcos emphasized that the Alyansa’s approach to the election would be centered on unity and positive campaigning, contrasting with other parties’ tactics of attacking opponents.
Marcos highlighted the importance of focusing on the candidates’ platforms and achievements rather than engaging in mudslinging. He humorously checked on the safety of his candidates in light of threats from other political groups to eliminate incumbent senators. Marcos assured the crowd that they would not hear any negative remarks, threats, or profanity from the Alyansa candidates, setting them apart from their competitors.
He praised the Alyansa candidates for their dedication to peace and prosperity for all Filipinos, urging voters to consider their track records. Marcos also addressed comments from his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, about eliminating incumbent senators, which were dismissed as a jest by Alyansa candidate Vicente Sotto III. Sotto and fellow candidate Panfilo Lacson emphasized sticking to policy issues and avoiding personal attacks.
Marcos expressed confidence in the Alyansa’s ‘excellent and kind’ candidates, stating that their victory would benefit the entire nation. He stressed the importance of development over conflict and solutions over empty rhetoric. Marcos also reiterated the Alyansa’s stance against yielding to foreign powers and their opposition to a violent drug war and offshore gaming operations.
The rally marked the end of the Alyansa’s initial campaign phase, setting the stage for a nationwide push ahead of the May 2025 midterm elections. Metro Manila, with its 7.32 million registered voters, remains a crucial battleground, where Marcos previously secured a significant victory in the 2022 presidential race.