Central Luzon: Opposition finds openings amid Uniteam split

Central Luzon, which voted for Marcos-Duterte in the 2022 elections, presents opportunities for opposition candidates due to the split within Uniteam.

In Pampanga, where the ruling Pineda clan has significant influence, opposition candidates Francis Pangilinan and Bam Aquino have secured some support despite the clan's formal endorsement of Marcos' Alyansa slate.

The Baylon-Panlilio tandem, running as LP allies, is challenging the Pinedas in Pampanga with a focus on supporting those who have demonstrated change rather than just being popular.

In Bulacan, another crucial province within Central Luzon, Governor Daniel Fernando endorsed Marcos' Alyansa's Francis Tolentino and Manny Pacquiao despite previously backing Leni Robredo.

Central Luzon remains a swing vote region, with only 20% of voters in Luzon having complete senatorial slates according to recent surveys, compared to higher percentages in Visayas and Mindanao.

The dynamics within Tarlac, another key province, show potential splits between Marcos' Alyansa and Duterte's supporters, indicating the complexity of local alliances and voter behavior.