Provincial governors to deliver votes for 11 Alyansa bets

MANILA, Philippines — As the May 12 midterm elections draw near, provincial governors aligned with the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats have pledged strong support for the administration’s 11-member senatorial lineup under the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition.

The declaration follows a directive from Speaker Martin Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president, who has taken a leading role in mobilizing national and local government collaboration ahead of the polls.

During a gathering at the Imelda Hall at Malacañang, governors representing 14 provinces committed to delivering votes for the coalition’s Senate slate.

The endorsed candidates are Benhur Abalos, Abby Binay, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, Bong Revilla, Tito Sotto, Francis Tolentino, Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar.

Key Lakas-CMD governors present included Sultan Kudarat’s Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, Benguet’s Melchor Diclas, Ifugao’s Jerry Dalipog and Kalinga’s James Edduba, who emphasized early grassroots mobilization and loyalty to Romualdez’s leadership.

Mangudadatu expressed confidence in the lineup, describing the candidates as seasoned leaders with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved provinces.

“The senatorial candidates that our party has, 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.

“We need leaders, partners and friends who will fight, who will fight for the interest of our countrymen and constituents,” he added.

Diclas also committed to the administration’s candidates, noting that campaign efforts at the grassroots level had already begun. He expressed confidence that Benguet’s united political machinery would help secure strong results for the Alyansa slate.

Dalipog, meanwhile, reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and to the Speaker, citing a history of cooperation with the House leadership and alignment with the administration’s programs.

Edduba, on the other hand, highlighted their early efforts in launching the Alyansa slate’s campaign in his province. He said resources were already being mobilized and materials distributed to generate local support.

Other Lakas-CMD-affiliated governors who have pledged support include Capiz Gov. Fredenil Castro, Camiguin Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali, Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez, Masbate Gov. Antonio Kho, Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Chua Cua, Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores, Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Mamawag Unabia, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Jr. Alonto Adiong and Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan.

According to the Commission on Elections, the 14 provinces represented by these governors have a combined voting population of 9,123,185. This includes key vote-rich areas such as Laguna with over 2.1 million voters and Nueva Ecija with more than 1.6 million.

Among the 11 senatorial candidates, outgoing Makati City Mayor Abby Binay has gained significant momentum, securing endorsements from local executives in several vote-rich provinces.

In Cebu, 31 mayors pledged support after her meet-and-greet event, bolstered by endorsements from Gov. Gwen Garcia and Reps. Rhea Gullas and Peter John Calderon.

Bets woo Pampanga

Alyansa candidates still continue to intensify their campaign and woo voters in Pampanga.

Pampanga is one of the country’s most vote-rich provinces with 1.67 million registered voters for the midterm polls.

During their campaign, local crowd favorites Lito Lapid and Bong Revilla energized the audience with “Budots” performances and personal engagement, while Manny Pacquiao received warm reception after singing “Atin Cu Pung Singing,” a local folk song in Kapampangan.

Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda and his mother, Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda, joined the administration slate and endorsed their candidacies in a campaign rally held before women community workers at the Guiao Convention Center.

Aside from the Alyansa bets, former senator Kiko Pangilinan, who is eyeing a Senate comeback, also campaigned yesterday in Pampanga.

Duter10

Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday also began campaigning for the “Duter10” senatorial lineup, following a request from her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained and facing trial before the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.

During her visit to evacuation centers housing residents displaced by the recent Kanlaon Volcano eruption in La Castellana and La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, as well as Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, Duterte said her father asked her to help enlighten voters on why they should support the full Duter10 slate.

The Duter10 includes reelectionist Senators Bong Go and Ronald dela Rosa, as well as Jayvee Hinlo, Raul Lambino, Rodante Marcoleta, Marites Mata, Apollo Quiboloy, Vic Rodriguez, Jimmy Bondoc and Philip Salvador.

Duterte noted that six of the 10 candidates are members of PDP-Laban, while the remaining four are guest candidates. — Delon Porcalla, Gilbert Bayoran, Marc Jayson Cayabyab