Abby Binay joins NPC, keeps mum on Senate run

Makati Mayor Abby Binay takes her oath as a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) at the NPC clubhouse Tuesday. Rep. Luis Campos, the mayor’s husband, administered the oath. Witnessing the ceremony are, from left: NPC Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza, NPC President Michael John Duavit, the mayor’s daughter Martina, and Rep. Jaime Cojuangco. —photo from Binay’s office.

MANILA, Philippines — Makati City Mayor Abby Binay became a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) on Tuesday, fueling speculation she may run for senator in the 2025 mid-term elections.

Her husband, Rep. Luis Campos, swore in her at the NPC Clubhouse in Quezon City in front of NPC president Rep. John Michael Duavit, secretary general Mark Llandro Mendoza and Tarlac Rep. Jaime Cojuangco.

In a statement, Binay thanked the NPC for considering her for its 2025 senatorial slate but said she remains focused on her mayoral duties for now.

“I will continue to fulfill my pledge to my beloved ‘Makatizens’ (Makati citizens) to continue making our services better and promoting our city as a major tourist and investor destination,” she said.

The NPC recently formed a coalition with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.

The party was founded in 1992 by Cojuangco’s grandfather, businessman Eduardo Cojuangco, after he left the Nacionalista Party. Its present members include Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, former Senator Tito Sotto and incumbent Senators Loren Legarda and JV Ejercito. —Russel Loreto