‘Clean’ slate Saying their candidates have ‘no blood in their hands from tokhang,’ among other alleged sins, President Bongbong Marcos at the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas proclamation rally presented administration bets on Tuesday, 11 February.
PhotoGRAPH by Jasper Dawang FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE
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President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. criticized allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday during the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas proclamation rally in Ilocos Norte.
“Look at our candidates’ records — none of them have blood on their hands from tokhang. None were complicit in exploiting the pandemic, letting our people get sick and die. None praise China while our coast guards are attacked, our fishermen are blocked and our islands are taken,” Marcos said.
He also emphasized that Alyansa candidates were not involved in the proliferation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which he linked to the abuse of women.
While Marcos did not name anyone, his remarks were obviously aimed at Duterte and his allies. The former president was criticized for allowing POGOs to operate, which Marcos ordered shut down in 2024.
The Marcos and Duterte families have been at odds since Vice President Sara Duterte resigned from the Cabinet and made threats to the lives of Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Marcos is also seen as easing tensions with the International Criminal Court, which is investigating Duterte’s drug war. However, his official stance on ICC cooperation remains unchanged.
The Alyansa senatorial slate includes former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Senators Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Francis Tolentino, and Lito Lapid, former senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao and Tito Sotto, and Representatives Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s allies seeking reelection include Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Bong Go.
Senator Imee Marcos joined the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas rally and was promptly endorsed by her brother, the President.
Imee was introduced as part of the Alyansa when Bongbong bared the administration’s senatorial slate in September 2024.
However, Imee declined the endorsement after she was announced and instead will run as an independent.
Prior to the proclamation rally, Alyansa’s campaign manager Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco said Senator Marcos is still part of the coalition and will not be replaced.
