Marcos Senatorial Slate Launches Campaign in Davao del Norte

CARMEN, Davao del Norte — The senatorial slate backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. launched its Mindanao campaign on Saturday with the goal of influencing voters in the Davao region, a stronghold of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

ADOPTED BETS
Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan senatorial candidates Jayvee Hinlo, Rodante Marcoleta, and Raul Lambino raise their hands as among the adopted candidates of the Partido Pederal ng Maharlika in San Juan City on Feb. 15, 2025. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

ADOPTED BETS
Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan senatorial candidates Jayvee Hinlo, Rodante Marcoleta, and Raul Lambino raise their hands as among the adopted candidates of the Partido Pederal ng Maharlika in San Juan City on Feb. 15, 2025. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

ADOPTED BETS
Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan senatorial candidates Jayvee Hinlo, Rodante Marcoleta, and Raul Lambino raise their hands as among the adopted candidates of the Partido Pederal ng Maharlika in San Juan City on Feb. 15, 2025. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

ADOPTED BETS
Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan senatorial candidates Jayvee Hinlo, Rodante Marcoleta, and Raul Lambino raise their hands as among the adopted candidates of the Partido Pederal ng Maharlika in San Juan City on Feb. 15, 2025. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas Slate

The Alyansa Profilea Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, Marcos Jr.’s political alliance, launched its first Mindanao rally in Carmen, Davao del Norte, at 4pm on Saturday. The senatorial slate hopes to secure votes in a region previously dominated by Duterte loyalists.

The administration’s campaign manager, Toby Tiangco, emphasized Marcos’ resounding 81% victory in Davao del Norte during the 2022 presidential election. Tiangco argues that this landslide victory underscores Mindanao’s strong backing for Marcos Jr., citing the entire constituency’s support during President Benigno Aquino III’s years as president.

Challenges Ahead

However, the political alliance’s victory in Davao del Norte may face challenges as the political landscape has shifted. The dissolution of the political alliance between Marcos Jr. and Duterte casts doubt on the administration’s ability to sway voters in the region, which has traditionally supported Duterte’s party.

“These regional launches reflect the administration’s commitment to economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and social welfare programs,” stated Tiangco, underscoring the importance of the campaign in various regions.

Alyansa Candidates

The Alyansa slate includes prominent politicians such as Sens. Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Lito Lapid, and Francis Tolentino, former senators Manny Pacquiao, Tito Sotto, and Panfilo Lacson, and House lawmakers Deputy Speaker Camille Villar and ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo. The list also features Benhur Abalos, former Secretary of the Interior, and Abby Binay, Mayor of Makati City.

The Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban)

In contrast, the PDP-Laban, which commands strong support in Davao del Norte, pledges to address issues of criminality, illegal drugs, and corruption. The party’s nine senatorial candidates have united under the banner “Duterte’s Senatorial Candidates” to send a clear message of advocacy.

The PDP-Laban chairman, former president Rodrigo Duterte, highlighted the importance of opposition in the Senate to ensure the government does the right thing. He emphasized the need for accountability and change.

Candidates’ Statements

One candidate, Sagip Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, criticized budget allocations that he believes were misappropriated. Lawyer Jesus Hinlo emphasized the need for self-reliance in technology and weapons production, while actor Phillip Salvador called for job creation rather than additional welfare handouts.

Raul Lambino took issue with the Marcos administration’s attempt to amend the Constitution, which he described as “unlawful,” while former Senator Bong Go reminded supporters about Duterte’s accomplishments.

Endorsements and Criticisms

Former executive secretary Victor Rodriguez and Senator Ronald Dela Rosa criticized the Marcos campaign’s claim that some opposition candidates were merely assigned to contest without proper consideration.

The Partido Pederal ng Maharlika (PPM), a federalist party, endorsed six PDP-Laban candidates along with four from Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas and two independents. PBEducation (PBEd) Executive Director Justine Raagas urged candidates to focus on education reforms to improve the sector.

Critical Times Ahead for Marcos Jr.

The Mindanao campaign is a critical phase for President Marcos Jr., marking the start of a 90-day campaign window, which requires strategic engagement with voters in diverse political landscapes. Marcos Jr.’s ability to capitalize on his and his running mate Vice President Sara Duterte’s victories in Mindanao could play a pivotal role in the upcoming elections.

Conclusion

With Mindanao being a critical battleground, the Marcos administration’s rally signifies their effort to secure support in traditionally Duterte-tipped areas. However, the lingering effects of the political split between Duterte and Marcos Jr. could pose significant challenges in winning voter loyalty in the region.

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