Pro-admin coalition launches senatorial slate for 2025 polls

The administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas launched its senatorial campaign for the May 2025 midterm elections with a rally in Ilocos Norte.

The slate features 12 candidates, including Senators Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Francis Tolentino, former Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Tito Sotto, former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo, Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated that the coalition has the most complete slate in the upcoming elections, highlighting that their candidates are "tried and tested" in government service.

During a press conference, eight candidates outlined their priority bills, which included sustainable livelihood, job generation, free medicine for senior citizens, tax exemptions, combating fake news, and amendments to the Local Government Code.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay also prioritized healthcare and education and proposed removing taxation on overtime and 13th-month pay.

Tito Sotto pledged to combat false information through legislation and push for a government rightsizing law.

Ping Lacson proposed requiring all government officials to sign waivers on their rights to bank secrecy to promote transparency.

Benjamin Abalos vowed to amend the Local Government Code to expand the capacity of local leaders.

Francis Tolentino promised to refile a bill aimed at removing VAT on electricity and internet services to lower costs for consumers.

Erwin Tulfo highlighted the country's battles with high prices of goods, unemployment, and difficulty in accessing medicines.

Ilocos Norte was chosen as the launch site to build momentum and consolidate support in the President's bailiwick.