SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, President of the dominant Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), on Tuesday mobilized the party’s full political machinery nationwide to secure a sweeping victory for the 11-member senatorial slate of the pro-administration Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas in the 2025 midterm elections.
Speaking before a powerhouse assembly of governors, lawmakers, city mayors, and local leaders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Speaker Romualdez issued a direct call to action: mobilize every ground force, every local leader, and every every local community network in support of pro-administration candidates who will uphold and accelerate President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s reform agenda.
“Please lang, please. Straight Alyansa. Diinan natin lahat sila, walang iwanan dito. Ito ang gusto ng ating Mahal na Pangulo. They are our true partners. Subok na subok sila. I know each and everyone of them have proven themselves. Hindi tayo mapapahiya sa taong-bayan. These are the right candidates. This is the future of the Philippine Senate and the Republic of the Philippines,” Speaker Romualdez made the declaration during a breakfast meeting held at Imelda Hall, Aguado Residence, Malacañang
“These are the best candidates for the Philippine Senate, palakpakan po natin silang lahat. Pinili ito ng ating mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. They will be our partners in peace, progress, and prosperity para sa ating bayang Pilipinas. Dapat talaga diretso tayo dito sa Alyansa, no ifs and buts about it. Ito talaga ang hinihingi ko sa inyo,” Speaker Romualdez told Lakas-CMD officials, members, and the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates.
“The victory of the Alyansa is the victory of the people,” Speaker Romualdez said. “Our citizens are tired of the noise, drama, and political grandstanding. What they demand is unity, delivery, and continuity—and that’s exactly what this slate offers.”
Prior to the event, Lakas-CMD leaders observed a minute of silence in honor of the late Pope Francis.
Lakas-CMD leaders, led by House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe (Executive Vice President), Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose “Joboy” S. Aquino II (Secretary General), Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., and Deputy Speaker David “Jay-Jay” Suarez expressed their full support for Speaker Romualdez’s call to rally behind President Marcos’s senatorial candidates.
Some of the governors who attended include Fred Castro (Aklan), Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu (Sultan Kudarat), Alonto Mamintal Adiong (Lanao de Sur), Abdusakur Tan (Sulu), Peter Unabia (Misamis Oriental), Xavier Jesus Romualdo (Camiguin), Melchor Diclas (Benguet), James Edduba (Kalinga), and Jose Miraflores (Aklan), and others.
Speaker Romualdez said this comprehensive lineup reflects the party’s deep bench of experience and reformist energy.
“We are choosing leaders who build, not break. Leaders who legislate, not obstruct. Leaders who offer solutions, not slogans,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“This is not just a Senate campaign—it is a grassroots movement for good governance. The engine of national progress is local governance. Kaya ang laban ng Alyansa ay laban ng bawat lalawigan, bayan, at barangay.”
He stressed that Lakas-CMD, as the country’s dominant political party recognized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), has a historic responsibility not just to win—but to lead.
“This is not business as usual. This is a mission. We are not simply endorsing candidates—we are rallying behind a shared vision aligned with the values and direction of President Marcos,” Speaker Romualdez added.
He also took a swipe at political opponents bent on sowing division:
“Let them throw mud—we will build roads, schools, hospitals, and jobs. Let them play politics—we will serve. The people will see through the noise and choose results,” Speaker Romualdez said.
The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas is composed of five major political parties: Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Lakas-CMD, Nacionalista Party (NP), National Unity Party (NUP), and Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC)—all united in their commitment to strengthening the Marcos administration and realizing the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas.
The official Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate includes:
1. Benhur Abalos – Former DILG Secretary (PFP)
2. Abby Binay – Makati City Mayor (NPC)
3. Pia Cayetano – Incumbent Senator (NP)
4. Lito Lapid – Incumbent Senator (NPC)
5. Ping Lacson – Former Senator and PNP Chief (Independent)
6. Manny Pacquiao – Former Senator and boxing icon (Independent)
7. Bong Revilla – Incumbent Senator (Lakas-CMD)
8. Tito Sotto – Former Senate President (NPC)
9. Francis Tolentino – Incumbent Senator (PFP)
10. Erwin Tulfo – House Deputy Majority Leader (Lakas-CMD)
11. Camille Villar – Las Piñas Representative & Deputy Speaker (Nacionalista)
The event was attended by all except Villar.
Speaker Romualdez said this diverse and experienced roster represents the Alyansa’s vision of a Senate that collaborates with—rather than obstructs—the Marcos administration.
“When Lakas moves, the nation follows. And today (Tuesday), we are moving with purpose,” Speaker Romualdez concluded. “Sama-sama tayong babangon at susulong. This is our time to build a nation that works for all.”
According to Lakas-CMD Executive Director Anna Capella Velasco, a total of 6,114 candidates are running under the Lakas-CMD banner for the 2025 elections—an unparalleled show of force in national and local races. These include:
• 2 senatorial candidates: Revilla and Tulfo
• 21 candidates for governor
• 29 vice governor candidates
• 125 congressional candidates
• 38 city mayors
• 39 city vice mayors
• 431 city councilors
• 572 municipal mayors
• 518 municipal vice mayors
• 4,089 municipal councilors
• 250 provincial board members (END)
