President Marcos Jr. Targets Metro Manila, Criticizes Duterte in Senatorial Campaign

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. launched his senatorial campaign drive in Metro Manila Tuesday, aiming to secure all 12 Senate seats for the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition. During the rally, Marcos took a direct and pointed jab at former President Rodrigo Duterte, contrasting the two administrations’ approaches to politics and governance.

Marcos Criticizes Duterte’s Threats, Promises a Peaceful Campaign

Marcos began his speech by emphasizing the completeness of the administration’s senatorial candidates, asserting that “no one has been harmed” in their selection process. He explicitly referenced Duterte’s controversial comments about potentially killing around 15 senators to create Senate vacancies, calling this a troublesome approach.

“Please allow me and I’m just counting our candidates because I’m making sure that they are complete and that no one has been hit by a grenade,” Marcos stated.

Marcos further differentiated his campaign from Duterte’s, pledging that his candidates would avoid inflammatory language and intimidation tactics.

The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas Senatorial Slate

The administration’s 12 senatorial bets consist of a mix of experienced politicians and newcomers, united in their campaign under the Alyansa flag. These candidates include House Represntatives Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar, incumbents Francis Tolentino, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, and Imee Marcos, and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay. Former senators Manny Pacquiao, Ping Lacson, and Tito Sotto, former Senate president, were also included, alongside former Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.

“Fellowmen, the direction of the Alyansa is very clear in their speeches and aspirations for the country. It is progress, not fighting or oppression,” Marcos said.

“What we need is progress, not threats or shouting,” he added, emphasizing the peaceful and solution-oriented approach of his candidates.

Alyansa’s Stance on Critical Issues

The Alyansa candidates, according to Marcos, share a commitment to the interests of the Filipino people and the protection of the nation’s sovereignty. They oppose the deadly war on illegal drugs favored by the Duterte administration.

“We have no belief that the solution is to kill thousands of Filipinos,” Marcos stated.

Marcos elaborated that a peaceful and effective approach to ensuring law and order would involve stringent legislations, efficient law enforcement, and robust support for the police and local governments.

Negative Views on POGOs Addressed

The campaign also emphasized opposition to the operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) within the country.

“In the economy and jobs, we do not need to rely on industries like POGO which became a center of crime and violence. The solutions are real jobs, decent pay, and support for small businesses and those in need,” Marcos explained.

Metro Manila Vital to Alyansa’s Victory

The rally in Pasay City served as a capstone to the Alyansa’s campaign launch, positioning the group for a robust, nationwide effort ahead of the midterm elections in May.

Metro Manila holds a crucial seat in Philippine elections, with its significant 7.32 million registered voters making it an indispensable electoral battleground. Marcos’s sweep of all 17 cities and municipalities within Metro Manila in the 2022 presidential race highlights its importance.

In the 2022 presidential race, Marcos secured 3.26 million votes, a testament to his stronghold in Metro Manila.

Conclusion

President Marcos Jr. has clearly outlined the strategic vision of his administration’s senatorial candidates, focusing on progress and peace. In contrast to the Duterte administration’s controversial stance on violence against drug users, Marcos’s platform hinges on law-based solutions, respect for human lives, and support for legitimate industries that contribute to economic growth.

The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition’s strong showing in Metro Manila will be a vital factor in their electoral success, as securing these seat-heavy districts represents a substantial step towards controlling a majority in the Senate.

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