ACTING on directives from Speaker and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) President Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, incumbent governors affiliated with the party committed to work as a team to ensure the victory of senatorial candidates supportive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas.
The governors, all stalwarts of the Lakas-CMD or allied parties, made the pronouncements during Tuesday’s gathering at the Imelda Hall, Aguado Residence, Malacañang with Speaker Romualdez, whose leadership of the party has strengthened ties between national and local governments ahead of the 2025 midterm polls.
The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial lineup, endorsed by Speaker Romualdez and backed by Lakas-CMD, includes Benhur Abalos, Abby Binay, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, Bong Revilla, Tito Sotto, Francis Tolentino, Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar.
Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu described the Alyansa senatorial bets as reliable allies who understand the real needs of underserved local governments.
“The senatorial candidates that our party have, these are not only people who are familiar and well-known politicians, these are also the leaders who have proven themselves that they are the ones who can best agree, best work, and best serve in the best interest of the Filipino people,” Mangudadatu told the breakfast meeting in his short speech.
“We need leaders, partners and friends who will fight, na ipaglaban nila ang interes ng ating mga kababayan at constituents,” Mangudadatu said.
“With partners and friends who will establish sustainable and long-lasting projects and programs na hindi lamang po itong henerasyon ang makakaramdam.”
He added that the people of Sultan Kudarat, having seen the development brought by partners in the national government, would reciprocate that support in the elections.
“To our senators, because of your support to my beloved Sultan Kudarat, and because of your commitment to support all of the provinces of Lakas, we also commit to you our support,” Mangudadatu added.
Benguet Gov. Melchor Diclas said their province is equally committed to the success of the administration’s senatorial candidates, affirming that the local leadership had already been working to secure support for the slate at the barangay level.
“Yung panawagan ni Speaker Martin Romualdez, kami sa Benguet, of course full support kami sa panawagan ni Apo Speaker,” Diclas said.
“Lahat naman ng mga kasama sa Alyansa, kinakampanya naman namin dati pa. Nag-start na ‘yung campaign, nag-start na rin tayong ikampanya sila lahat,” Diclas said.
Diclas expressed optimism that with their united provincial machinery, Benguet would deliver strong results in favor of the Alyansa candidates.
“We hope for the best. Hopefully manalo lahat sila sa amin,” Diclas added.
Ifugao Gov. Jerry Dalipog also gave a categorical assurance of loyalty to the party and its senatorial lineup, citing his longstanding ties with the House leadership and his belief in the programs championed by the current administration.
“Ang masasabi ko po sa sinasabi ni Speaker Martin Romualdez ay sa akin, lahat ng sinasabi niya ay susundin ko ‘yan,” Dalipog said.
“At noon pa, na ako’y member ng Lakas at nag-oath sa kanya, ay sa aking paningin ay lahat naman ng programa, iyong mga tulong, ay natulungan naman ako,” Dalipog said. “With that, I will support Alyansa, majority sa probinsiya ng Ifugao.”
Kalinga Gov. James Edduba was among the first to declare support for the Alyansa slate upon the directive of Speaker Romualdez.
“Actually, sila ‘yung mga inuuna naming sinasabi, ‘yung mga senador ng Alyansa eh,” he added.
Edduba noted that their province had been actively preparing campaign resources and distributing materials, with local officials and allies mobilized to ensure that the entire slate would gain traction in Kalinga.
“But on our part, we are doing our best. Lahat naman ng resources namin ginagamit namin,” Edduba said.
“Kaya sinasabi namin sa kanila, lahat ng campaign materials ninyo dalhin niyo na dito para kami na ang bahala sa mga kandidato ng Alyansa,” Edduda said.
Other Lakas-CMD governors are Capiz Gov. Fredenil Castro, Camiguin Gov. Xavier Jesus “XJ” D. Romualdo, Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio “Oyi” Umali, Laguna Gov. Ramil L. Hernandez, Masbate Gov. Antonio “Tony” Kho, Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Chua Cua, Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique “Joen” Miraflores, Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Mamawag Unabia, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. and Sulu Gov. Abdusakur M. Tan.
According to data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the 14 provinces represented by Lakas-CMD governors constitute a significant voting population with a total of 9,123,185 voters.
Sultan Kudarat has 533,384 registered voters, Capiz has 539,459, Benguet has 416,145, Kalinga has 158,555, Ifugao has 136,318, Nueva Ecija has 1,620,166, Laguna has 2,140,124, Masbate has 619,174, Catanduanes has 200,804, Aklan has 414,890, Misamis Oriental has 1,106,297, Camiguin has 66,557, Lanao del Sur has 706,919, and Sulu has 464,393.
Support from governors in these areas can decisively boost the campaign of the administration-backed slate.
