Dagupan City: Thousands of Pangasinenses gathered at the CSI Stadia on Friday to welcome the senatorial candidates of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas during their campaign stop here. The administration candidates outlined initiatives aimed at alleviating the living conditions of the Filipino people, ranging from reduced electricity costs to the provision of free medicine and hospitalization.
According to Philippines News Agency, former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos pledged to lower electricity costs, while Abby Binay promised to push for tax-free bonuses, including the 13th-month pay and overtime pay. Senator Bong Revilla proposed a universal pension of PHP1,000 for senior citizens and suggested lowering the senior citizen age to 56. He also vowed to bolster support for farmers and fisherfolk.
Senator Pia Cayetano emphasized job creation and support for local businesses, while Senator Lito Lapid promised not only free medicine and hospitalization but free legal assistance as well for senior citizens, along with boosting the tourism industry. Former senator Manny Pacquiao said he would file a bill for nationwide free public housing if elected anew.
Former Senate president Vicente Sotto III highlighted the importance of legislative oversight to ensure proper implementation of laws. He also advocated for a law mandating a 14th-month pay, to be released midyear, to help families with tuition and daily expenses. "We should make the 14th-month pay a law, not just the 13th. The 13th-month is given at year-end, while the 14th-month can help families during the school year," Sotto said. He also called for a law to combat fake news and stressed the need for preventive education and rehabilitation programs for drug dependents.
Senator Francis Tolentino appealed to voters to go back to their values. "If you want a country with dignity, respected by others and God-fearing, support me. But if you want to be taken over by a godless nation, don't vote for me," he said. ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo kept his message brief, stating that Alyansa is the answer to the country's problems.
With over 2.15 million registered voters and an 87.18 percent turnout in 2022, Pangasinan remains a crucial province in national elections. It delivered 1.29 million votes for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2022 -- more than five times than that of his closest rival. Campaign manager Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said the Pangasinan sortie reflected the coalition's effort to cement support in Northern Luzon. "Pangasinan isn't just vote-rich -- it's a bellwether. Its support often determines national leaders. Alyansa is here to listen, engage and deliver," Tiangco said.
