Bacolod City: Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates pitched a pro-people agenda to Negrense voters during a campaign rally held before a crowd of about 8,000 in this city's coliseum Friday night. The sortie brought together all 12 administration candidates who were introduced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with their shared goal of promoting the Filipinos' interests and welfare.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino shared his vision for Negros Occidental, the country's top sugar-producing province, by advocating for the creation of a Sugar Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. He proposed that tariffs from imported sugar be directed to a trust fund benefitting local producers, workers, and local government units in Negros Occidental. Furthermore, Tolentino aims to abolish the 12 percent value-added tax on electricity to reduce power costs.
Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., known for his legislative contributions like the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act and the Expanded Centenarian Act, vowed to pursue more laws in line with the Marcos administration's agenda. He assured the audience of continued efforts in collaboration with the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, seeking a return to the Senate, reiterated his commitment to championing free public housing and sustainable livelihoods for the most vulnerable Filipinos. In an interview, Pacquiao emphasized his focus on securing budgets and implementation for these initiatives, which he considers his advocacy.
Senator Lito Lapid, drawing from his personal experience of poverty preventing him from completing school, promised to advocate for educational opportunities for less privileged students if re-elected to the Senate.
Senator Imee Marcos, highlighting her concern for families, expressed her intent to ensure affordable food, decent jobs, and necessary assistance. She pledged to work towards reducing the prices of essential goods.
Former Senate president Vicente Sotto III emphasized his proposal to support farmers and fisherfolk by advocating for the government to purchase 50 percent of their output at their determined prices.
Other candidates, including Senator Pia Cayetano, former local government secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., former senator Panfilo Lacson, ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, Las Pi±as City Rep. Camille Villar, and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, also shared their platforms and advocacies during the event.
The administration slate comprises candidates from President Marcos Jr.'s political party, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, and allied parties such as Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Nationalist People's Coalition, Nacionalista Party, and National Unity Party.
