Dumaguete: Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates are optimistic that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s victory in Negros Oriental during the 2022 presidential elections will translate to similar results for their slate in the May 2025 national and local elections. In a press conference ahead of the administration ticket’s campaign rally at the Governor Mariano F. Perdices Memorial Coliseum, former Senate president Vicente Sotto III expressed confidence in their line-up with the President’s endorsement.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sotto emphasized the importance of the President’s support and the candidates’ experience and service to the country. He believes this combination will resonate with the voters in Negros Oriental. Former senator Panfilo Lacson agreed, noting that the endorsement from a popular president significantly boosts their chances of winning.

Boxing champion Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, seeking a return to the Senate, shared his optimism about their slate’s potential success in the elections. He highlighted their confidence in gaining substantial support from Negros Oriental, particularly in Dumaguete, where President Marcos previously secured a victory.

Former local government secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. pointed out the President’s previous success in the area and expressed belief in the candidates’ performance record. ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo echoed this sentiment, stating that the President’s fulfilled promises to the people of Negros Oriental would help carry the Alyansa slate.

Las Pi±as City Rep. Camille Villar and Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay also shared their confidence in the endorsement’s impact. Villar emphasized the President’s support in terms of peace, order, and job generation in the region. Binay added that while the President’s previous victory is beneficial, the candidates’ track records and capabilities remain crucial in their campaign for Senate seats.