The political party of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), has made a turnaround by endorsing the mayoral candidacy of DAILY TRIBUNE columnist and former Customs Commissioner Yogi Ruiz in Cebu City.
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., PFP’s national president, personally raised the hands of Ruiz and his councilor slate on Friday night, 21 February 2025.
"We are to endorse our friend and ally Yogi Ruiz," Tamayo told the media. "Like what we do in South Cotabato — providing free hospitalization among our constituents — we wanted to bring it in Cebu City through the mayorship of Yogi," he added.
PFP, which is tied to the coalition administration senatorial slate Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas, was initially expected to back the reelection bid of Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia.
Ruiz welcomed the endorsement, expressing gratitude for the party’s support.
"This is a big boost to my candidacy and we are very much thankful for this," Ruiz told DAILY TRIBUNE.
More than 10,000 supporters attended the launching of BAG-O NA PUD! A Call-For-Change Movement on Friday night.
Ruiz outlined his key priorities for Cebu City, citing the need for immediate solutions to persistent flooding, waste segregation, traffic management, and peace and order. He also pushed for the strict implementation of a curfew for minors, the expansion of city scholarship programs, and the provision of free medicines for diabetics and individuals with hypertension. Additionally, he proposed livelihood programs with business opportunities and a stronger socialized housing initiative to address the city's housing needs.