Admin bets to solidify chances in Marcos stronghold

The administration-backed Senate slate Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas will hold a grand rally in Tacloban City on Friday, marking its ninth campaign stop ahead of the May 2025 midterm elections.

The rally in Tacloban City aims to consolidate support in Leyte, a province with 1.4 million registered voters and a political stronghold for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Leyte, the home province of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, is considered a key Visayas bailiwick for the Marcos family, mirroring the Ilocos Region in the north. In the 2022 national elections, Marcos received 641,065 votes in Leyte, significantly outpacing his closest rival, who garnered 99,207 votes.

Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco, the campaign manager for Alyansa, expressed confidence that Leyteños would again show strong support.

“Leyte has always stood with President Marcos and his vision for a stronger Philippines,” Tiangco said. “We believe the Leyteños will continue to support leaders who will work with the administration in delivering real progress.”

The Alyansa ticket includes former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senators Ramon Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Imee Marcos and Francis Tolentino, former Senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao and Vicente Sotto III, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.

Tacloban City, in particular, has been a reliable base of support for the administration, consistently delivering large majorities for President Marcos.

The rally is expected to feature candidates outlining their platforms in line with the “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda, focusing on economic growth, infrastructure and social welfare programs.

“Tacloban is our ninth stop, and each leg of our campaign has only reinforced what we already know—Filipinos want stability, continuity and leadership that prioritizes national progress,” Tiangco said. “Leyte will play a crucial role in ensuring that we have a Senate that will work alongside the administration.”

The campaign aims to maintain momentum, relying on Leyte’s continued loyalty to the Marcos administration.