IRENE SINO CRUZ
Senatorial candidates of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas joined the second leg of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s Northern Cebu Caravan on Friday and Saturday, a two-day heritage and political tour aimed at bringing national leaders closer to the grassroots in the country’s most vote-rich province.
Senate hopefuls Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, Camille Villar, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay and Senator Pia Cayetano teamed up with Garcia’s One Cebu Party to visit more than a dozen cities and towns, underscoring Alyansa’s commitment to community-based leadership and rural development.
This marked the second time Alyansa candidates participated in Governor Garcia’s election caravan following the March 27–29 leg in Southern Cebu
With over 3.4 million registered voters, Cebu remains a vital electoral stronghold. The Alyansa slate’s return to the province signals a strategic push to strengthen its Visayan base ahead of the May midterm elections.
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who has authored 259 laws, emphasized key measures he helped pass to spur local development. These include the creation of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Mental Health Act, and the “Doktor Para sa Bayan” law. He also renewed his call to institutionalize the 14th-month pay, aimed at easing the financial burden of working families.
“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 to cheers from residents.
Former senator Panfilo Lacson praised Governor Garcia’s dynamic leadership, citing Cebu’s impressive economic growth in 2023.
“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,” Lacson said. “Your gross domestic product in 2023 hit P411 billion, up by six percent. That alone deserves congratulations.”
A long-time fiscal watchdog, Lacson also vowed to push for increased funding for the Department of Tourism to boost Cebu’s flourishing tourism industry.
“If given the chance to return to the Senate, I’ll push for institutional amendments to strengthen the DOT’s budget. Cebu deserves continued support for tourism and development.”
Meanwhile, boxing legend and former senator Manny Pacquiao rallied support behind his enduring crusade against poverty and corruption. His grassroots appeal resonated strongly with Cebuanos, many of whom remain inspired by his journey from poverty to global fame.
Deputy Speaker Camille Villar shared her platform that supports overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), job generation, 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,” Villar said.
The caravan wrapped up in Consolacion, where Senator Pia Cayetano joined the team and pledged continued support for initiatives benefiting Cebu. Pacquiao also participated in the final stop of the caravan alongside Garcia and other local leaders.
This is the second time Alyansa senatorial candidates have taken part in Garcia’s “suroy-suroy” tour, following their participation in the Southern Cebu leg last March.
The rest of the Alyansa ticket includes former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Lito Lapid, Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino, and ACT-CIS Representative and former DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo.
As the campaign season intensifies, Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas is banking on its message of unity, grassroots empowerment, and inclusive development to connect with voters across the country.