LP partnering with Marcos’ coalition? Lagman says ‘options are open’

Former Vice President Leni Robredo visits several parts of Albay on November 3, 2020 following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Rolly. (File photo by OVP)

MANILA, Philippines — While the Liberal Party (LP) and the coalition President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. forged may carry different political principles, Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman is not ruling out any possible partnerships for the 2025 midterm polls.

In a press briefing at the Batasang Pambansa complex, Lagman was asked about LP’s plans for the 2025 elections, which are a year away.

In response, Lagman, LP’s incumbent president, said they have started partnering with political groups with similar ideologies.

Lagman said options are available on the probability of an alliance with Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) and House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’ Lakas-CMD.

“We have kindred political parties which the LP has an alliance with, like the new party of former Senator Bam Aquino. We have an alliance there,” he said.

“Mukhang magkaiba ang prinsipyo ng LP doon sa ibang partido na hindi kami allied. (It seems the LP has a different set of principles with the parties that we are not allied with). But you know, options are open,” he noted.

“But definitely, we will have to contend with our basic tenets and principles as a political party,” he added.

Last May 8, Marcos oversaw formally signing an alliance between the PFP and Lakas-CMD.

Then, on May 18, Marcos confirmed that the PFP would sign another alliance deal with the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

READ: Marcos oversees PFP, Lakas-CMD alliance

READ: Marcos’ PFP set to ally with NPC ahead of 2025 polls 

LP has been critical of Marcos’ candidacy in 2022, as it actively campaigned against the Marcoses’ return to power.

The party gained prominence as an opposition to the martial law rule of Marcos’ father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

It has been perceived as a political opponent of the Marcoses.

In 2022, the party supported the presidential bid of former Vice President Leni Robredo, who placed second behind Marcos.

It is unclear what the LP plans to do in 2025, but Lagman said they will put up senatorial candidates, although the slate might not be complete.

“We are certain to field our senatorial slate, but we might not be able to complete it because we should not over-extend our limited resources,” he admitted.

“But definitely, we are filing credible and experienced list of candidates for the 2025 elections, which will be determining what would happen in 2028,” he noted.