Marcos announces 2025 Senate picks including 2022 prexy rivals and veteran pols
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. bared the administration's senatorial lineup for the 2025 midterm elections.
The announcement was made on Thursday, Sept. 26 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
"Ang sabi nila, ang halalan daw ay panahon ng pagkakabitak-bitak, pagsisiraan, pagkakahati-hati. Subalit kabaligtaran po ang inilulunsad ng ating Alyansa sapagkat ito ay isang kilusang bayan na magbubuklod sa pinakamalawak na puwersa ng mga nagmamahal sa Inang Bayan, na ikakampanya ang isang programang pangkaunlaran na walang naiiwanan, na pagsasamahin ang labingdalawang magigiting na Pilipino na may taglay na sipag at galing para maging pinuno," he said.
The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas Coalition includes incumbent officials and former politicians who lost in the 2022 polls.
The lineup consists of the following:
- Benhur Abalos, the Department of Interior and Local Government secretary who served as Marcos' national campaign manager after retiring as Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman. He also became a Mandaluyong mayor and representative, as well as Marcos's campaign manager for vice president.
- Abby Binay, the Makati mayor who previously served as Makati 2nd District representative. She's the daughter of former vice president Jejomar Binay.
- Pia Cayetano, the incumbent senator who previously served as Taguig 2nd District representative and deputy speaker. She's the brother of Alan Peter Cayetano, who was former president Rodrigo Duterte's running mate in 2016 and eventual foreign affairs secretary. He also became House speaker and Taguig-Pateros representative.
- Ping Lacson, the veteran senator who ran for president in 2022 and 2004. He also served as the chief of the Philippine National Police.
- Lito Lapid, the incumbent senator and former Pampanga vice governor and eventual governor who is also an action star that rose to fame in the '60s.
- Imee Marcos, the incumbent senator who was previously Ilocos Norte governor and 2nd district representative. She's the older sister of Bongbong.
- Manny Pacquiao, the former senator and Sarangani representative who ran for president in 2022. He's a decorated boxer who won 12 titles and is the only eight-division world champion.
- Bong Revilla, the incumbent senator who is also a TV and movie actor.
- Tito Sotto, the former senate president, veteran senator, Dangerous Drugs Board leader, and Quezon City vice mayor who ran for vice president in 2022. He's also a member of the iconic OPM group VST & Co., one of the main hosts of the variety show Eat Bulaga!, and a former professional bowler.
- Francis Tolentino, the incumbent senator who served as Tagaytay mayor and MMDA chairman. He's also the president of the Samahan ng Kickboxing ng Pilipinas.
- Erwin Tulfo, the representative of the ACT-CIS Party-list who had a months-long stint as social welfare and development secretary under the Marcos cabinet after the Commission on Appointments blocked his appointment. He's also a veteran broadcaster like his brothers, Sen. Raffy Tulfo and Ben Tulfo.
- Camille Villar, the House deputy speaker and Las Piñas representative. She's the daughter of former Senate president Manny Villar and incumbent senator Cynthia Villar, and the sister of incumbent senator Mark Villar. She's the managing director of the family business, property developer Vista Land.
Marcos, in his speech, expressed his hope that his administration's senatorial bets for the upcoming elections will continue to prioritize honesty and love for country.
"Sa aking pag-endorso, ang tanging hiling ko ay mapanatili ang kanilang katapatan at pagmamahal sa bansa. Ito ang pinakamahalagang katangian ng kandidato na aking tinitignan at pinag-iisipan," he said.
"Kaya naman, mga kababayan, ang mga sumusunod na indibidwal ay kilala natin sa kanilang kasanayan at sa kanilang serbisyo publiko," he added.
The election period for next year will start on Jan. 12 and end on June 11. The campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups will run from Feb. 11 to May 10.