By Filane Mikee Cervantes
MANILA – Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday mobilized the full political machinery of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) to back the pro-administration Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ Senate slate for the 2025 elections, calling the 11 candidates “partners in peace, progress, and prosperity.”
Romualdez, the Lakas-CMD president, led a powerhouse assembly of governors, lawmakers, and local officials to support the Alyansa senatorial lineup, vowing a comprehensive ground campaign to ensure victory for all 11 candidates who will uphold President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s reform agenda.
“They are our true partners. Subok na subok sila (They are tried and tested). I know each and every one of them have proven themselves. Hindi tayo mapapahiya sa taong bayan (The people will not be disappointed in us). These are the right candidates. This is the future of the Philippine Senate and the Republic of the Philippines,” Romualdez said during a breakfast meeting at Imelda Hall in Malacañang.
“These are the best candidates for the Philippine Senate… Pinili ito ng ating mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. (They were chosen by our beloved President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.). They will be our partners in peace, progress, and prosperity para sa ating bayang Pilipinas (for our nation, the Philippines),” he added.
The senatorial candidates under the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition are former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay; incumbent Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid and Francis Tolentino; former senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao and Vicente Sotto III; and House lawmakers Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar.
The coalition is backed by five political parties: Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Lakas-CMD, Nacionalista Party, National Unity Party, and the Nationalist People’s Coalition.
Romualdez said the comprehensive lineup reflects the party’s deep bench of experience and reformist energy.
“We are choosing leaders who build, not break. Leaders who legislate, not obstruct. Leaders who offer solutions, not slogans,” he said.
Romualdez described the campaign not just as a political push but as a national movement to ensure stability and development.
He vouched for the diverse and experienced roster that represents Alyansa’s vision of a Senate that works with, not against, the Marcos administration.
“The victory of the Alyansa is the victory of the people,” he said. “Our citizens are tired of the noise, drama, and political grandstanding. What they demand is unity, delivery, and continuity — and that’s exactly what this slate offers.”
He said the Lakas-CMD, as the country’s dominant political party recognized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), has a historic responsibility not just to win but also to lead.
“This is not business as usual. This is a mission. We are not simply endorsing candidates — we are rallying behind a shared vision aligned with the values and direction of President Marcos,” he said.
“When Lakas moves, the nation follows. And today, we are moving with purpose. Sama-sama tayong babangon at susulong (Together, we will rise and move forward). This is our time to build a nation that works for all,” he added.
Lakas-CMD leaders, including House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe and other senior officials, declared full support for Romualdez’s call to back the slate.
Lakas-CMD executive director Anna Capella Velasco said over 6,100 candidates nationwide will run under the party’s banner in 2025, including two senatorial bets, Revilla and Tulfo. (PNA)
