Laoag City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s speech during the campaign kickoff rally of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas earned praise from leaders of the House of Representatives for its strong pro-Filipino stance on national sovereignty and call for issue-based politics. The President's speech, delivered during the administration's senatorial slate campaign kickoff in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Tuesday, emphasized the importance of electing leaders committed to national interests and issue-based governance.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos highlighted the accomplishments of his endorsed candidates while cautioning voters against certain Senate contenders he claimed had supported pro-China policies despite maritime disputes, facilitated the proliferation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), and had ties to the controversial drug war of the Duterte administration.

In a press conference on Thursday, Deputy Majority Leader, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V, particularly commended the President's firm declaration on national sovereignty. Ortega expressed his appreciation for the President's stance against foreign control, emphasizing the need for a pro-Filipino approach in politics.

House Assistant Majority Leader, Manila Rep. Ernix Dionisio, also lauded the President's push for issue-based politics. Dionisio underscored the importance of choosing leaders committed to national interests and expressed his support for the alliance's candidates, noting the significance of issue-based stands.

The administration's Senate slate includes notable figures such as former interior secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, and several current and former senators. The slate represents a broad coalition committed to national interests and governance.

During a press conference of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas in Iloilo City, former Senate president Vicente Sotto III defended the President's remarks, asserting that they were factual and aligned with the campaign's focus on positive achievements rather than negative campaigning. ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo echoed Sotto's sentiment, emphasizing their strategy of performance-based campaigning.

Abalos further clarified that Marcos' remarks were affirmations of commitment to Philippine sovereignty, reflecting the shared focus of the candidates on national issues.