CARMEN, Davao del Norte – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his team of Senate candidates, called Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, traveled to Davao del Norte to ask people for their support. This place is known for being a stronghold of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte, meaning many people here have supported them in past elections.
On Saturday, Marcos and his team held a big rally at Carmen Municipal Park and Plaza to meet voters. Many well-known politicians were there, including:
✅ Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos
✅ Outgoing Makati Mayor Abby Binay
✅ Senators Bong Revilla, Lito Lapid, and Francis Tolentino
✅ Congressman Erwin Tulfo from ACT-CIS Party-list
✅ Former Senators Manny Pacquiao and Vicente “Tito” Sotto III
However, some politicians did not attend, like Senators Imee Marcos, Pia Cayetano, and former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, along with Congresswoman Camille Villar.
Winning Votes in Mindanao
This was the third big campaign event for Marcos’ team. Before this, they visited Laoag City in Ilocos Norte and Iloilo, two provinces with many voters.
During a press conference before the rally, campaign manager Toby Tiangco explained that their goal is to share their plans and programs with all Filipinos, no matter where they live.
“We want to tell every Filipino about our plans and what our candidates stand for. It doesn’t matter where we are—our message stays the same,” Tiangco said.
Former Senate President Tito Sotto believes they have a good chance of winning votes in Mindanao.
“I won’t say we will win everything, but our chances are good here,” he stated.
Congressman Erwin Tulfo pointed out that even though the Dutertes are not officially supporting them, their track record proves they worked hard when President Duterte was in power.
“It’s not about having a famous last name. All 12 of us did something important during Duterte’s time,” Tulfo explained.
New Faces in the Senate Race
For Abalos and Binay, this is their first time running for the Senate. Since they are not from Mindanao, they said they need to work extra hard to introduce themselves to voters.
“Because I’m not from Mindanao, I need to go out and convince people to support me,” Binay said.
Abalos added, “I hope people get to know us. Among all the candidates, I’m probably the least known because this is my first time running for Senate.”
Energy Problems in Davao Region
People in Davao del Norte have big problems with electricity, so the candidates talked about solutions:
🔹 Senator Francis Tolentino said the country needs more electric cooperatives to bring electricity to places still struggling.
🔹 Congressman Erwin Tulfo wants to review electric companies to make sure they are doing their jobs. If not, he believes new power companies should take over.
🔹 Mayor Abby Binay believes the country should use more renewable energy (like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power) to solve electricity problems.
🔹 Manny Pacquiao says the country needs a nuclear power plant to have a stable power supply and improve development.
“Without electricity, there can be no progress,” Binay warned.
Pacquiao agreed, saying, “If we don’t build a nuclear power plant, the Philippines will develop too slowly—like a turtle!”
