LEADERS of administration-allied political parties called the “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” on Monday night met with President Marcos Jr. to draw up their strategic plan, which remains anchored on “unity,” for the May 2025 midterm elections.
The meeting, which was held at the Aguado residence in Malacañang, was led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, president of the ruling Lakas-CMD, who underscored the need for “fostering unity, preventing internal conflicts, and ensuring that the coalition’s strategy for the May 2025 polls is both cohesive and effective.”
“This is more than just a strategic planning session; it is a declaration of our shared commitment to the Filipino people,” Romualdez told the meeting.
“Our unity is our strength, and today we solidify that bond to ensure that our vision for a better Philippines will continue to be realized. We are here not only to support the programs and projects of President Marcos but also to help realize his vision of unity towards lasting peace and prosperity for all,” he said.
He underscored the importance of unity among various political parties in the wake of Vice President Sara Duterte’s move to break away from her alliance with Marcos.
The Vice President ended her alliance with the administration when she resigned as secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
The move came following a more flexible position taken by the Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General on the issue of allowing the International Criminal Court (ICC) to arrest her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, for the alleged crimes against humanity brought about by his administration’s bloody war on drugs.
The new administration alliance, spearheaded by the President’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), is composed of Lakas, the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), the Nacionalista Party (NP), and the National Unity Party (NUP).
The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas is eyeing to field a full 12-man senatorial slate in next year’s national elections.
Romualdez said there is a need “to prevent internal conflicts and maintain incumbents’ equity, ensuring each party’s interests are protected as they work together in pursuit of this shared vision.”
“We are not just allies in name. We are united by a shared purpose — to serve our nation with integrity, strength, and unwavering resolve,” he said. “The challenges we face require a coalition that is not only strong but also harmonious. That’s what we are building here today.”
From the PFP, the delegation included Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., executive vice president; South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, president; retired Gen. Thompson Lantion, secretary general; and George Briones, legal counsel.
Also present were Lakas-CMD stalwarts Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, who also serves as the party’s executive vice president; Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino II, the party’s secretary general; and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon, treasurer.
Representing the NP were Sen. Mark Villar, Iloilo Rep. Ferjenel Biron, and Misamis Oriental Rep. Yevgeny Emano.
NPC was represented by its chairman, former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, along with its secretary general, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office head Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza.
Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, NUP president, and Bataan Rep. Albert Raymond Garcia, NUP secretary general, were also present in the meeting.
As the meeting concluded, the leaders reiterated their commitment to the alliance, recognizing that their unity is essential for navigating the challenges ahead and realizing the administration’s vision.
“This is just the beginning. As we move forward, we will continue to strengthen our coalition, refine our strategies, and ensure that our vision for a new Philippines is realized in every corner of the nation,” Romualdez said.
