Marcos-allied parties meet in Malacañang to strategize for Eleksyon 2025

Political parties allied with the administration of President "Bongbong" Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met on Monday night to strategize for the 2025 midterm elections, Speaker Martin Romualdez said Tuesday.

In a statement, Romualdez said the meeting, held in Malacañang Palace, included members of Lakas-CMD, which he serves as president; Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) led by Marcos; the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC); the Nacionalista Party (NP), and the National Unity Party (NUP).

Romualdez said the discussion focused on fostering unity and efficient strategy for the 2025 elections.

“This is more than just a strategic planning session; it is a declaration of our shared commitment to the Filipino people,” Romualdez said.

Attendees from the PFP include Special Assistant to the President Antonio “Anton” Lagdameo Jr., the party's executive vice president; South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, president; retired Gen. Thompson Lantion, secretary general; and lawyer George Briones, legal counsel.

Also present were Lakas-CMD stalwarts and Senior Deputy Speaker Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr.; House Majority Leader Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, who also serves as the party’s executive vice president; Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino II, the party’s secretary general; and Deputy SpeakerRep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez, who serves as treasurer.

Representing the NP delegation were Senator Mark Villar, Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron, and Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny “Bambi” Emano.

The NPC attendees, on the other hand, included its chairman and former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, along with its secretary general, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office head Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza.

Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund “L-Ray” Villafuerte, NUP president, and Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Raymond Garcia, NUP secretary general, were also present in the meeting.

“This is just the beginning. As we move forward, we will continue to strengthen our coalition,” Romualdez said.

The administration has yet to drop its 12-strong Senate slate for the 2025 polls.

The filing of candidacy for the 2025 elections is scheduled for the first week of October this year. —Llanesca T. Panti/KBK, GMA Integrated News