‘Unity pa rin’: Party leaders meet at Malacañang for 2025 strategy
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez during the meet and greet event with the Filipino community in this file photo taken on Oct. 20, 2023 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Photo from the Office of Speaker Romualdez.
MANILA, Philippines — It seems the Marcos administration’s “unity” campaign slogan is still on as leaders of political parties met at Malacañang to discuss a common strategy for the 2025 midterm elections.
In a statement on Tuesday, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez confirmed that a meeting was convened on Monday night under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who heads the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).
According to Romualdez, the coalition will be under the banner of “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
“This is more than just a strategic planning session; it is a declaration of our shared commitment to the Filipino people,” he said.
“Our unity is our strength, and today we solidify that bond to ensure that our vision for a better Philippines will continue to be realized. We are here not only to support the programs and projects of President Marcos but also to help realize his vision of unity towards lasting peace and prosperity for all,” he added.
Aside from Marcos’ PFP and Romualdez’ Lakas-CMD, the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), the Nacionalista Party (NP), and the National Unity Party (NUP) were also part of the discussions.
The following party members and officials were present:
- PFP: Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Executive Vice President; South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, president; retired Gen. Thompson Lantion, secretary general; and Atty. George Briones, legal counsel
- Lakas-CMD: Senior Deputy Speaker Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr.; House Majority Leader District Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, executive vice president; Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose Aquino II, secretary general; and Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David Suarez, treasurer
- NP: Senator Mark Villar, Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron, and Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Emano.
- NPC: Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, president, and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office head Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza, secretary general.
- NUP: Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, president, and Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Raymond Garcia, secretary general
“We are not just allies in name. We are united by a shared purpose—to serve our nation with integrity, strength, and unwavering resolve,” Romualdez said. “The challenges we face require a coalition that is not only strong but also harmonious. That’s what we are building here today.”
“This is just the beginning. As we move forward, we will continue to strengthen our coalition, refine our strategies, and ensure that our vision for a new Philippines is realized in every corner of the nation,” he added.
“Unity” was the central theme of the Marcos administration’s campaign team “Uniteam”, which featured Marcos and his running-mate, Vice President Sara Duterte.
Marcos’ campaign centered on the belief that unity would help the Philippines recover from crises.
READ: Up to last day of campaign, Bongbong Marcos sticks to unity message
However, there are beliefs that the Uniteam has been dissolved, with Duterte leaving the Marcos cabinet, and taking on a more critical stance towards the administration.
READ: Sara Duterte resigns as DepEd secretary, says Palace
