PBBM-backed Alyansa carry on with campaign, unfazed by Imee’s comments exit from slate

The Marcos administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas remains steadfast in courting the voting public ahead of the mid-term polls, unfazed by Senator Imee Marcos’s sudden exit from the senatorial ticket.

Campaign manager Toby Tiangco reiterated that the coalition fully respects Marcos’ decision to withdraw from the slate, but expressed confidence that her departure will not disrupt their plans and sorties.

“Senator Imee has decided that she will no longer be joining the Alliance, and we respect her decision and wish her luck. We, on the other hand, will continue our campaign,” Tiangco told reporters in a briefing before their rally in vote-rich Rizal province.

Seven weeks before the 12 May midterm election, Senator Marcos announced on 26 March that she “cannot stand on the same campaign platform as the rest of the Alyansa.”

She took issue with the actions taken by the administration of her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., that “ran counter to my ideals and principles,” referring to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest on the order of the International Criminal Court.

Echoing the assumption of her “friend” and ally, Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator Marcos branded the arrest as kidnapping and political persecution.

“As I have stated from the outset of the election period, I will continue to maintain my independence,” Marcos previously averred.

Tiangco, nonetheless, said the campaign remains steadfast, with its focus heavily centered on uplifting the economy and providing livelihood, especially to the underprivileged.

The Navotas lawmaker claimed that the candidates under this ticket are competent for a Senate seat, boasting their “proven track record” aligned with Marcos’ policies and agendas.

“Our 11 candidates, based on their track record […], are the ones who can help support the remaining three years of President Bongbong Marcos,” he stated.

“What we want is to accelerate development in our country and improve the lives of our countrymen," he concluded.

After Senator Marcos’ departure, the slate was left with 11 candidates namely, re-electionist Senators Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Francis Tolentino, and former senators Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Manny Pacquiao; incumbent House members, Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar; Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos; and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay.