FOUR major political parties on Thursday morning joined forces to form the UniTeam Alliance to support the presidential bid of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor ‘Inday’ Sara Duterte in next year’s national and local elections.

The coalition of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), and Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) also vowed to pursue good governance, reforms to reboot and rebound the economy, sustained campaign to defeat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, national unification and healing, and address other enormous problems facing the Philippines.

“Allow me to convey my overwhelming gratitude to the members and officers of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, and Hugpong ng Pagbabago for forming this alliance today (Thursday),” Duterte, Lakas-CMD and HNP Chairperson, told her allies during the UniTeam Alliance signing via Zoom.

“This alliance does not only show our firm aspirations for the country. It also echoes loudly of our triumph to peacefully unite and stand side by side in the pursuit of continued development and positive change for our fellow Filipinos and the Philippines,” Duterte said.

“The UniTeam has done something remarkable in a time when political noise and bickering drown the issues and problems confronting the Filipino people — that is, to forge a partnership as one organization, setting aside political rivalries and differences, to become strong partners of the people and the nation. Our alliance is built on friendship, trust, and the commitment to serve the Filipinos and the country,” she said.

“As your Vice Presidential candidate, I am proud of this agreement that powerfully illustrates leadership transcending throughout political colors. To PFP, Lakas-CMD, PMP, and HNP — there is no turning back. And we shall move forward armed with the overwhelming support of the people and a political agenda that centers on the development of our great nation. Maayong udto/hapon, ug daghan kaayong salamat!” Duterte said.

During the hybrid signing of the UniTeam Alliance Agreement, party officials also seek stronger cooperation in ensuring the preservation of the country’s democratic processes, including the conduct of peaceful and orderly polls.

“Whereas, in view of the shared vision of the Convenor and Partners, all parties have agreed to forge this ALLIANCE that will pave the way for unity, strength and continued positive change for the country,” said the two-page UniTeam Alliance Agreement where PFP is the convenor.

“Whereas, Convenor and Partners seek a peaceful and democratic way of life for their constituency, with their leaders establishing programs geared towards ensuring the establishment and maintenance of communities characterized by a strong nation and secured life for all— where freedom is upheld, men and women practice tolerance, individual dignity and the rule of law is observed,” the agreement said.

“Whereas, Convenor and Partners have a shared vision that will guide and lead the nation in the goal to achieve sustainable growth and development of the Regions in the country,” it said. “Whereas, Convenor and Partners are cognizant of the fulfillment of this shared vision through unity among political organizations.”

The agreement was signed by Lakas-CMD President and House Majority Leader Martin G. Romualdez, PFP President and South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., HNP President and Davao Occidental Gov. Claude Bautista, and PMP President Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada.

Marcos is the presidential candidate of PFP while Duterte is the vice presidential bet of Lakas-CMD and HNP where she is the Chairperson.

Under the agreement, all parties agreed to give their full and unqualified support to Marcos and Duterte.

The agreement also provides that “all partners shall be allowed to field one senatorial candidate in the line-up.”