METRO Manila’s top local executives delivered a show of force for Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, the powerhouse administration-backed Senate slate, during its kickoff campaign rally in Pasay City on Tuesday.

The event underscored their full support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s legislative agenda and their call for a Senate that will back his vision for a stronger, more progressive Philippines.

Leading the charge was San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, current president of the Metro Manila Council, who revealed that he personally reached out to fellow mayors to rally behind the coalition.

“Una sa lahat ako po ay naniniwala sa ipinaglalaban ng ating mahal na Pangulo na ipagpatuloy ang Bagong Pilipinas at nakita ko po ang kaayusan ng ating bansa lalung-lalo na po kami sa lungsod ng San Juan. Napakaraming proyekto at programa na tunay na napapakinabangan po ng aming mga mamamayan,” Zamora said in a interview.

Zamora cited the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, which will soon be implemented in San Juan, as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to providing dignified housing for Filipinos.

“Halimbawa po niyan ay magsisimula ang 4PH Program sa San Juan at ‘yan po ang Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program kung saan magkakaroon po ng pagkakataon ang San Juaños na magkaroon ng sarili nilang disente at marangal na tahanan,” he added.

Zamora did not hesitate when asked whether he was aiming for a 12-0 victory for the administration’s Senate slate.

“Yes, of course. Siyempre malaking bagay talaga kung makapag-12-0 tayo sa resulta ng halalan at nandito po kami na mga Metro Manila mayors para magbigay suporta,” he declared.

The Alyansa ticket is composed of former Interior Secretary and Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay, Senator Bong Revilla, former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senator Lito Lapid, Senator Imee Marcos, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, ACT-CIS Party-list Representative and former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.

Zamora emphasized that Metro Manila’s mayors are fully united behind Alyansa, and that he personally ensured their collective support.

“Ang inyong lingkod po, Francis Zamora, Mayor ng San Juan, tayo rin po ang presidente ng Metro Manila Council kaya ‘yung ating samahan ng mga mayors sa Metro Manila ay full support sa ating Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” Zamora said.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon stressed the importance of electing senators who will work with the administration.

“Well, unang-una syempre ‘yung ating kasalukuyang Pangulo mayroong mga plano para sa ating bansa na nag-a-agree ako and I think itong remaining half ng term niya kailangan din niya ng full support para rin sa ating bansa,” Biazon said.

Biazon, who served in Congress for several terms, cited Alyansa candidates’ legislative experience and their potential contributions to national policymaking.

“Nakikita ko ‘yung experience ng mga comebacking (senators) at syempre ‘yung iba doon naman na kasama na alam ko ang capability pagdating sa legislation. Having been a legislator myself mahalaga sa akin ‘yung capability at saka ‘yung mga advocacies na isinusulong kaya nandito ako,” Biazon said.

When asked about the possibility of a 12-0 victory, Biazon emphasized the importance of a strong and supportive Senate that will help President Marcos fulfill his vision for the country.

“Ang general na panawagan sana magkaroon din ng Senate na nakasuporta nang lubos sa ating Pangulo para magawa niya ‘yung mga kailangan niyang gawin sa remaining portion of his term,” Biazon said.

Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Sr., a veteran political figure, described the Alyansa senatorial slate as an unbeatable force, provided that their supporters remain united.

“Alam mo if they could only be voted as one, nobody can beat them. I hope that each and every supporter ng mga kandidato ng Alyansa would not just work for themselves but there should be friendship … wala nang tatalo diyan.”

The father of Alyansa senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos vouched for the competence and track records of the administration bets.

He also expressed his hopes for a 12-0 victory for the Alyansa slate. “I hope so and that’s what I’m praying for,” Abalos said.

All 12 Alyansa candidates were present during the Metro Manila kickoff rally held at the jam-packed Cuneta Astrodome. They were welcomed by no less than Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, who also gave her full endorsement of the administration’s Senate slate.

Calixto-Rubiano expressed strong support for President Marcos and the Alyansa candidates, calling on Pasay residents to rally behind the coalition.

“Kasama ang Team Calixto, ang Pasay LGU, at lahat ng mamamayang taga-Pasay, we stand firm in maintaining this collective thrust tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas. Kaya sa bawat hiyawan, palakpakan, mas ramdam natin na padating na talaga ang bagong pag-asa,” she said.

She also underscored Pasay’s role as the “gateway to Metro Manila” and its commitment to the national government’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas filled with progress, prosperity and opportunity.

“Being the gateway to Metro Manila, eh siyempre gateway rin tayo dapat sa new opportunities, brighter future and renewed citizenry. Kaya’t sa Bagong Pilipinas, punong-puno ng asenso, pag-unlad at ginhawa,” she declared.

With Metro Manila’s mayors rallying behind Alyansa, the coalition gains momentum in the capital region, a crucial battleground in the upcoming elections.

The mayors’ endorsement reflects a growing consensus that the next Senate must work hand in hand with President Marcos to advance economic recovery, infrastructure development and social programs.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco