Metro Manila, Philippines— President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is reintroducing his vision of unity under a new coalition of former political rivals, reelectionists and newbies for the senatorial election next year.
In a political gathering on Thursday, Sept 26, Marcos bannered the lineup under the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas (Alliance for the New Philippines), which groups his Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Lakas-CMD, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Nacionalista Party, and National Unity Party.
Former Senators Ping Lacson and Manny Pacquiao are both eyeing a return to the Senate. They both ran for president in 2022 and lost to Marcos.
The former rivals are now joining forces led by a former competitor.
Star power
Bong Revilla and Lito Lapid will seek to retain their seats. Revilla is the sole candidate for Lakas-CMD which has become one of the largest political parties under the Marcos administration.
Former Senate President Tito Sotto, Lacson’s running mate, is in the slate, hoping for a comeback.
One of the dynamics to watch out for are Makati Mayor Abby Binay and Senator Pia Cayetano.
Their families are in a feud that spans more than three decades over a territorial dispute between Makati and Taguig involving 10 barangays in the so-called Enlisted Men’s Barrio (EMBO).
Familiar faces, familial ties
The Senate bets also include familiar names with strong familial connections. Senator Imee Marcos is on the ticket.
Although absent during the convention, President Marcos assured the crowd that his sister is already deep into campaign preparations.
"Mga kababayan, kasama din po natin si Senator Imee Marcos na naunahan na ang mga ibang senador at busy na nagkakampanya at hindi makarating ngayong araw na ito," said Marcos.
Imee has been an ally of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Also in the slate is ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, who is the brother of Sen. Raffy Tulfo.
House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, daughter of Senator Cynthia Villar and sister of Senator Mark Villar, is also aiming for a Senate seat. The Villar matriarch is ending her term next year.
Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who recently made headlines with high-profile arrests, including that of ex-Mayor Alice Guo and Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy, is another candidate.
Abalos was a former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman during the Duterte administration.
Sen. Francis Tolentino is also seeking reelection. He resigned as vice-president of PDP-Laban, Duterte’s political party.
Bagong Pilipinas: old names, faces
Despite the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas branding, political analyst Jean Franco questioned whether the lineup reflects a new Philippines.
"It is unfortunate that the administration's mantra of Bagong Pilipinas is not reflected in its senatorial slate," Franco told NewsWatch Plus via text message.
University of the Philippines political science associate professor Jan Robert Go said prominent political figures signal continuity rather than change.
"For the Senate race, very familiar names dominate the opinion surveys, which could preview the 2025 elections but also raise concerns," Go told NewsWatch Plus on Sept. 20.
"Most of the candidates come from political dynasties, and several former national politicians are attempting comebacks through local or party-list elections. Overall, it seems like business as usual for our politicians," Go added.