Major parties under PBBM's alliance meet on 2025 polls strategy

MANILA – Key leaders from different political parties convened at the Aguado residence in Malacañang on Monday night to lay out a strategic plan for the May 2025 midterm elections, according to Speaker Martin Romualdez.

In a news release on Tuesday, Romualdez said political leaders from Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), Nacionalista Party (NP), and the National Unity Party (NUP), which are united under the banner of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, gathered for their first meeting to discuss the coalition's strategy for the May 2025 polls.

The partnership is spearheaded by Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the political party headed by President Marcos.

Romualdez, president of Lakas-CMD, said the meeting was more than just a strategic planning session, but also a pledge of their "shared commitment" to the Filipino people.

"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.

In order to guarantee each party's interests are protected while they collaborate to achieve their shared vision, he stressed the need to foster unity, prevent internal conflicts, and maintain the incumbents' equity.

"We are not just allies in name. We are united by a shared purpose – to serve our nation with integrity, strength, and unwavering resolve," Romualdez 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 during the meeting included Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Executive Vice President; South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, president; retired Gen. Thompson Lantion, secretary general; and Atty. George Briones, legal counsel.

Also present were Lakas-CMD stalwarts Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr.; House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, who also serves as the party's executive vice president; Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose Aquino II, the party's secretary general; and Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David Suarez, who serves as treasurer.

Representing the NP were Sen. Mark Villar, Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron, and Misamis Oriental 2nd District 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 2nd District Rep. and NUP president Luis Raymund Villafuerte, and Bataan 2nd District Rep. and NUP secretary general Albert Raymond Garcia also took part in the meeting.

The leaders reiterated their commitment to the alliance, underscoring that their unity is essential for navigating the challenges ahead and realizing the administration's vision.

"This is just the beginning," Romualdez said.

"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," he added. (PNA)