Pampanga politicians, including the Pinedas, expressed their support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s senatorial slate, Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, during the coalition’s campaign rallies in the province, April 23.

Alyansa’s campaigns featured four major venues in Pampanga, kicking off at the Lapid Arena in Angeles City. Campaign activities proceeded to the City of San Fernando (CSFP), starting at the LausGroup Event Centre, Kingsborough International Convention Center, before concluding at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.

Senatorial candidates Benhur Abalos, Abby Binay, Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Manny Pacquiao, Tito Sotto, Francis Tolentino, Erwin Tulfo, and Camille Villar were present at the event.

Meanwhile, Alyansa senatorial candidate Panfilo “Ping” Lacson was unable to attend any of the said campaigns. 

On the other hand, Villar’s appearance in Pampanga raised questions about her affiliation with Alyansa following a recent campaign endorsement by Vice President Sara Duterte.

Campaign kicks-off early in Angeles City

The slate was welcomed by supporters and local officials as they kicked off their four-stop Pampanga campaign at the Sen. Lito Lapid Arena Sports Complex in Angeles City.

Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda joined the first leg of the sortie, hosted by 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II and Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr.

Also present were Arayat Mayor Madeth Alejandrino, Magalang Mayor Malu Lacson, Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, and other local leaders from Mabalacat and Porac.

Rallies continue in San Fernando

Following the earlier event, three more indoor rallies were held in CSFP, beginning at the LausGroup Event Centre where Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led the gathering alongside Lubao Mayor Esmeralda “Esmie” Pineda and other local officials.

Alyansa senate candidates were then welcomed at the Kingsborough International Convention Center by 4th District Rep. Anna York Bondoc-Sagum, alongside several mayors from across Pampanga.

Around 12 p.m., the campaign culminated at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center, with most provincial officials in attendance to express their support.

“Taos-puso naming tinatanggap ang mga kandidato ng Alyansa sa Pampanga, isang lalawigan na pinagbubuklod ng pagkakaisa at pag-asa,” Delta stated.

“Nawa’y magsilbing daan ang inyong sabayang sorties para mas mapalawak ang serbisyo, pag-unlad, at tapat na pamamahala para sa bawat Kapampangan,” he continued.

Tiangco calls Pampanga a ‘game changer’

With its 1.67 million registered voters, Alyansa’s campaign manager and Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco considers Pampanga a political stronghold and a “crucial battleground.”

“Game-changer po ang Pampanga. Nais ng mga Kapampangan ng mga lider na kumikilos, hundi puro pasikat lang, at ito mismo ang pinagmamalaki ng mga kandidato sa ‘Alyansa’,” Tiangco said via Facebook.

Tiangco emphasized that Alyansa is ready to fight for every vote in Pampanga and deliver a Senate that will truly work for the Filipino people.

In the 2022 presidential elections, Marcos Jr. garnered more than 735,000 votes in the province.

According to Alyansa, the Pampanga sortie is part of its full-force campaign to consolidate support in vote-rich provinces ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.