PBBM joins One Cebu People’s Rally, endorses ‘Alyansa’ Senate slate & local candidates

DUMANJUG, Cebu – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. joined One Cebu People’s Rally on May 5 with Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia promising to deliver a full resounding endorsement of all 11 senatorial candidates from the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas before the more than 4,000 crowd at the Dumanjug Sports Complex, Dumanjug town in Cebu.

“We are for unity, we are for progress because we are One Cebu, solid behind the duly elected president of the Republic of the Philippines who knows how to keep his words, who fulfills his promises—none other than President Ferdinand ‘BBM’ Marcos Jr.  This governor will remain steadfast and so will the entire leadership of this entire island in this united One Cebu,” said, in her opening message at the rally.

President Marcos and governor Garcia endorsed the following senatorial candidates-- Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla, Sen. Pia Cayetano, former Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Sen. Lito Lapid, former Sen. Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo, and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar.

Garcia, who seeks a final term as governor, asked the crowd to vote for her too and to also support the Alyansa senatorial candidates. “The solid Cebu vote is equivalent to 3.4 million votes. Let’s show what unity can achieve,” she added.

PBBM lauds Garcia’s One Cebu party, asks support for ‘Alyansa’ candidates 

“Alam niyo po parang nakikita po ninyo na sa aking mga pinupuntahan ang isa sa probinsya na siguro mas madalas pa ako dito kaysa sa Ilocos Norte ay dito sa probinsya ng Cebu. Pero ang katotohanan ay dahil nakikita ko dito sa Cebu ang aming layunin para sa buong Pilipinas– iyon ang pagkakaisa,” President Marcos told a jampacked sports complex.

Marcos then lauded governor Garcia for leading Cebu and making it the fastest growing economy in Central Visayas, and whenever the national government plans to do some projects, these are not possible without the close coordination with the local government.

“I tell you, that of all the 82 provinces in the country, one of the best persons to discuss with new program rollout is governor Gwen and Cebu is always ready. You cannot get better political advice than from Gov. Gwen. Kaya nakita naman ninyo naibuo niya ang probinsya ng Cebu sa ilalim ng One Cebu,” Marcos said.

Marcos said that the effect of unity translated to the 97.1 percent unemployment rate of Central Visayas. It means that here in Cebu, only 2.9 percent of people are looking for jobs. In 2023, Cebu registered the highest recorded economic growth with 5.7 percent.

“At umangat ang Gross Domestic Product ng 5.7 percent, mas mataas pa sa paglaki ng ekonomiya ng Pilipinas. Kaya’t talagang nangunguna lagi – nangunguna lagi ang Cebu. Nakamit ng Region 7 ang 7.3 percent na pagtaas ng ekonomiya,” the president bared.

Cebu’s GDP increased from P388B in 2022 to P411B in 2023, Marcos added that the 2024 economic figures are certainly higher because under the helm of governor Garcia, she is able to rally everyone to unite and help as One Cebu.

The President added that Filipinos must understand that unity is still important for a strong and formidable nation. Thus, continuity of all the programs in his administration is important and governor Garcia plays a crucial role in putting allied senators in the Senate, with Cebu having 3.70M registered voters.

Marcos then presented and endorsed each member of the ‘Alyansa’ senatorial slate. “Ipagsama na lang natin para tayong lahat ay magkaisa, magtulungan, imbes na nag-aaway tayo.” Kaya’ naman po ‘yan ang aming pinili. Kaya naman po ‘yan ang aking hinaharap po sa inyo,” he added.

The One Cebu People’s Rally ended with PBBM raising the hands of the ‘Alyansa’ senatorial candidates present—Benhur Abalos, Bong Revilla, represented by his wife Cong. Lani Mercado; and finally, all the local candidates from governor Garcia down to the mayors affiliated with One Cebu party. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

Sotto, Lacson, Pacquiao, Villar join 'One Cebu' heritage campaign caravan in Cebu

CEBU CITY – Four of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates, Tito Sotto, Ping Lacson, Manny Pacquiao and Camille Villar joined the second leg of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s “One Cebu suroy-suroy” heritage and political campaign caravan on April 12-13, bringing national leaders directly to the people in the country’s most vote-rich province.

This was the second time Alyansa candidates have joined Governor Garcia’s “suroy-suroy,” following the March 27–29 leg in southern Cebu. The unique campaign format—part heritage tour, part grassroots consultation—allows for direct, informal conversations with local leaders and citizens.

The four senatorial candidates are among those endorsed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr and joined Garcia’s One Cebu Party in visiting over a dozen cities and towns, consistent with Alyansa’s commitment to community-based leadership and rural development.

Cebu is a formidable electoral force with over 3.4 million registered voters and Alyansa candidates’ presence in Cebu reflects its intensified efforts to solidify its Visayas base ahead of the May midterm elections.

Sotto, who has principally authored 259 laws, highlighted key legislation he championed for local development, including the calamity fund, family courts, the creation of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Mental Health Act, and the “Doktor Para sa Bayan” law.

Sotto vowed to push for the institutionalization of the 14th month pay and the criminalization of fake news.  “If we institutionalize the 14th month pay, it can be given during June when parents pay tuition. I will file this again in the Senate. But I can’t do this alone. That’s why I ask for the support of Cebu—Ako Bisaya,” Sotto said.

Lacson, meanwhile, heaped praise on Governor Garcia, calling her one of the most admired and influential leaders in the Visayas. A former senator and longtime fiscal watchdog, Lacson committed to augmenting the budget of the Department of Tourism (DOT) if re-elected, in support of Cebu’s booming tourism sector.

“I am a great fan of Governor Gwen Garcia—not only because of her strong leadership but for bringing Cebu to where it is now. Your gross domestic product in 2023 hit P411 billion, up by six percent. That alone deserves congratulations,” Lacson said.

He said that if given the chance to return to the Senate, he’ll push for institutional amendments to strengthen the budget of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Cebu deserves continued support for tourism and development.

Pacquiao, a former senator and globally renowned boxing champion, brought his message of hope and service to Cebu, as he emphasized his fight against poverty and corruption.

Deputy Speaker Villar reaffirmed her commitment to public service, focusing on support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), job creation, and affordable housing.  “Nais ko pong ipagpatuloy ang mga nasimulan ng aking pamilya—ang pagtulong sa mga OFWs, ang pagbigay ng mas maraming trabaho at sapat na kita at siyempre, ang ating mura at libreng pabahay para sa lahat,” she said.

 

The Alyansa ticket also includes former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Lito Lapid, Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino, and ACT-CIS Representative and former DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

Alyansa eyes transformative growth for Cebu

CEBU CITY — Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, the Senate slate endorsed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., vows to drive good governance, economic growth, and sustainability in Cebu ahead of the 2025 elections.

“With Cebu as a Visayas powerhouse, Alyansa will help fuel its potential and lead the region’s progress. We will deliver solutions from urban centers to rural communities,” said Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, Alyansa’s campaign manager.

Alyansa is composed of former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, 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 Representative and former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.

Alyansa pledges to close infrastructure gaps, boost economic opportunities, and improve public services while upholding transparency and accountability.

The coalition prioritizes infrastructure upgrades, focusing on transportation, disaster resilience and investment-driven job creation.

Education and healthcare are also top priorities, ensuring schools prepare the youth for the future and medical services remain accessible.

“The Cebu we envision connects communities, grows businesses, and ensures no one is left behind,” Tiangco said. ( Photos: Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas)

Share this: