PACQUIAO’s SENATE BID TIED TO TACLOBAN’s RESILIENCE, SPIRIT OF LEYTE LANDING
TACLOBAN, Leyte – TACLOBAN City becomes a symbolic stop for Manny Pacquiao’s fight for a brighter future for every Filipino as he embarks on his senatorial campaign alongside with Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas administration candidates this Friday.
Drawing on the powerful legacy of the World War 2 Leyte Landing , Pacquiao uses the story of General Douglas MacArthur’s return to the Philippines in 1944 as a metaphor for his own mission to serve the country and fulfill his promises to the people.
For Pacquiao, this campaign is not about seeking power but about serving the people. His platform focuses on fighting for the poor, justice, and a future where no Filipino is left behind.
He draws inspiration from the resilience of Tacloban, a city that has faced both natural and economic challenges, much like the struggles of the country as a whole.
“Kung may Allied Forces noon… May Alyansa ngayon!” Pacquiao declares, invoking the heroic struggle during the Leyte Landing. “Tulad ng Leyte Landing, panahon na para sa isang panibagong laban—laban para sa tunay na pagbabago at pagbangon ng bawat Pilipino.”
Pacquiao believes that it is a call to action for all Filipinos to unite in the face of adversity and to rise together for a positive change.
For Pacquiao, Tacloban holds a special place in his heart. He is one of the first responder after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.
“Sa Tacloban, nakita natin ang tatag ng Pilipino sa gitna ng unos. Hindi tayo sumusuko, hindi tayo bumibitaw. Tulad ng sinabi noon ni General MacArthur —‘I shall return.’ Tulungan po ninyo ako makabalik sa Senado para ituloy natin ang laban sa giyera kontra kahirapan at kinabukasan ng bawat Pilipino.”
This battle is personal for him. It’s about uplifting the poorest, fighting for justice, and ensuring that the future is brighter for every Filipino, no matter where they come from.
“Ang laban ko ay laban ng bawat Pilipino. Ang pagbangon ng Tacloban ay simbolo ng ating pag-asa—isang bansang walang maiiwan sa pag-unlad.”
Pacquiao believes that like Tacloban’s recovery, the entire nation can rise above its challenges and rebuild stronger than ever before.
By invoking the spirit of the Leyte Landing and echoing the promise of MacArthur’s return, Pacquiao sees his senatorial campaign as another phase in the fight for the Filipino people.
“Walang bagyo, digmaan, o pagsubok ang makakapigil sa Tacloban at isang bayang nagkakaisa. Sa bagong Alyansa, sabay-sabay tayong babangon Tacloban!”
The Leyte Landing stands as a testament to the courage, determination, and unity of the Filipino people. Pacquiao’s campaign, centered on this symbolism, aims to foster the same spirit of cooperation and resilience to drive the nation toward real progress. Just as the Allied Forces unified to liberate the Philippines, Pacquiao believes that today’s Alyansa — his alliance for change — is the key to achieving a future where no Filipino is left behind.
“Katulad ng Leyte Landing noon, panahon na ng pagbabago at bagong pag-asa para sa Tacloban at sa buong bansa. Kung may ‘Allied Forces noon… May Alyansa ngayon… at ang laban ni Manny Pacquiao at alyansa ay laban ng bawat Pilipinong nangangarap ng mas maunlad at mas patas na kinabukasan. Tulad ng pangakong tinupad ni MacArthur, ipaglalaban ni Pacquiao ang tunay na pag-unlad na mararamdaman ng lahat.”
Pacquiao adds that his fight is not just for a seat in the Senate, but for a country united in hope, progress, and opportunity.
