Marcos Takes a Swipe at Other Candidates, Again

By Jennifer P. Rendon and Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Despite his allies’ assertion of a “no negative campaigning” stance, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. once again criticized candidates from other political parties during the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ proclamation rally in Iloilo City on Thursday, Feb. 13.

This came despite earlier commitments from Alyansa senatorial candidates to avoid negative campaigning.

As he highlighted the credentials of his slate, Marcos claimed that none of Alyansa’s senatorial bets were involved in abuses linked to the controversial Oplan Tokhang.

“Wala sa kanila ang kasabwat sa pang-aabuso na binulsa ang sako-sakong pera ng bayan,” he said. (None of them were involved in abuses or pocketed sacks of public funds.)

The president also asserted that none of his candidates failed to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Wala sa kanila ang nagsisipsip sa Tsina at pumapalakpak pag binobomba ng tubig ang ating nga Coast Guard at kapag hinaharang ang ating mga mangingisda at ninanakaw sa kanila ang kanilang huli,” he said. (None of them bow down to China or applaud when our Coast Guard is sprayed with water, when our fishermen are blocked, or when their catch is stolen.)

Marcos said the 12 senatorial candidates—Abby Binay, Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Ping Lacson, Lito Lapid, Imee Marcos, Camille Villar, Francis Tolentino, Manny Pacquiao, Tito Sotto, Erwin Tulfo, and Benhur Abalos—have clean records, making it easier for him to campaign for them.

While some have downplayed the importance of the 2025 midterm elections, Marcos emphasized that those elected in May will play a crucial role in improving the lives of Filipinos.

“Babalik ba tayo sa nakaraan na ibinubugaw bilang sugalan ng mga dayuhan? Babalik ba tayo sa landas na umaapaw sa dugo ang mga inosenteng mga bata na inakyat sa mga bahay, inagaw sa kanilang mga ina, at kinuha ang kanilang kinabukasan?” he quipped. (Will we return to the past, where we were exploited as a gambling hub for foreigners? Will we go back to a path where innocent children were taken from their homes, ripped from their mothers, and robbed of their future?)

Marcos also boasted that Alyansa’s slate is composed of experienced leaders, with eight former and incumbent senators, seven congressmen, three governors, city mayors, and four lawyers.

“Hindi sila bagito. On their first day of work, hindi sila mag-o-OJT,” he said. (They are not rookies. On their first day of work, they won’t be on-the-job trainees.)

He added that the slate has balanced geographical representation and strong government service records.

“Hindi sila nandito para makipag-debate lamang o manira lamang. Sila ay nandito para tulungan ang ating mga kababayan,” he said. (They are not here just to debate or destroy others. They are here to help our fellow Filipinos.)

Above all, Marcos said, they are good people who are driven by a genuine desire to serve.

Meanwhile, Marcos pushed back against the notion that the 2025 midterm elections are less significant, saying that the results will shape the country’s direction.

“Sa midterm elections, ang inyong boto ang magsisilbing gabay kung saan patutungo ang ating bansa,” he said. (In the midterm elections, your vote will serve as a guide for where our country is headed.)

He emphasized that the upcoming election is a turning point — a choice between returning to the “age of darkness” or moving forward to a brighter and peaceful future for all Filipinos.

Marcos urged voters to support his slate, calling them the key to securing a prosperous future.

“Pagdating ng Mayo, isipin ninyo na ang bawat boto ninyo ang magbibigay sa atin ng magandang kinabukasan. Ang kinabukasan kung saan ang pangunahing layunin natin ay mapabuti ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino at ng buong bansa. At ang pag-asa lang natin ay ang ating mga kandidato,” he stressed. (When May comes, remember that every vote you cast will give us a better future. A future where our main goal is to improve the lives of every Filipino and the entire nation. And our only hope is our candidates.)

Despite expectations of a 50,000-strong crowd, the alliance’s proclamation rally drew only around 35,000 Ilonggos.

Iloilo City was the venue for the second leg of Alyansa’s campaign rally.