Metro Manila, Philippines — President Bongbong Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas has formalized its alliance with the Villar-led Nacionalista Party on Thursday, Aug. 8.
During the ceremonial event in Taguig City, Marcos touted the NP addition to the coalition of parties allied with the administration, while property magnate and NP chairman Manny Villar talked about pursuing a common vision.
“We have the opportunity to forge another partnership that will broaden the grand coalition working under the banner of Bagong Pilipinas,” said Marcos, referring to the administration slogan.
Marcos said his government pursues the call for unity ahead of the midterm election.“So, I am very, very happy that today we are formalizing this alliance, which has now formed the largest political bloc in the Philippines,” the president said.Villar welcomed the partnership.“This coalition of political parties sends a strong message to our people that political affiliation is subordinate to our common vision; the nation above all,” said the former Senate president.The NP, founded in 1907, is the oldest political party in the country. Marcos ran for senator under the group in 2007. It was also the political party of his father, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos.NP is the fourth group that allied with Partido Federal, next to Lakas-CMD, Nationalist People’s Coalition, and National Unity Party.
Nacionalista eyes senatorial lineup by end of month
Meanwhile, NP member and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ace Barbers said the party is considering six senatorial candidates for next year’s polls.Barbers said Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, Senators Imee Marcos and Pia Cayetano will be on the list, adding that the party hopes to complete the slate by the end of the month.“Marami pang mga pangalan, yung mga re-electionist na kasama sa aming partido, kasama na iyon sa aming partido. In the event na hindi kami maka-kumpleto, I would assume na meron kaming more than anim,” said Barbers.[Translation: There are still many names, including the re-electionists who are part of our party; they are already included in our lineup. In the event that we don’t complete it, I would assume that we have more than six.]Partido Federal has yet to finalize its own senatorial slate.“Iba’t ibang senatoriables ang naka-alliance sa ating partido, so ito ay pag-uusapan namin,” said party president Reynaldo Tamayo.[Translation: Various senatorial candidates are allied with our party, so we will discuss this.]Asked if the expansion of alliances is aimed at countering the Duterte family, Tamayo said. “Wala, ang ating pangulo wala kang maririnig na masama. Nandoon pa rin ang suporta namin sa adhikain ng ating Vice President,” said Tamayo.
