Cebu City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lauded Cebu’s impressive economic growth during a campaign rally here, emphasizing the province’s crucial role in the Central Visayas region. Addressing the One Cebu People’s Rally, President Marcos attributed Cebu’s success to the unified leadership under Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, whom he praised for her effective governance and invaluable advice to the national government.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos highlighted the province’s high employment rate of 97.1 percent and a 5.7 percent economic growth that outpaced the national average. He credited this progress to the collaborative environment fostered by Garcia. Marcos also announced significant infrastructure projects for Cebu, including the fourth Lapu-Lapu-Mandaue bridge and road, expected to reduce travel time from Cebu-Mactan International Airport to the port area to just 20 minutes.
Additionally, plans for a 25-hectare Cebu International Container Port were unveiled, aimed at easing traffic, lowering logistics costs, and positioning Cebu as a future logistics hub. The President underscored the importance of the May 12 midterm elections, framing it as a referendum on his administration’s direction.
He strongly endorsed the Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate, comprised of veteran politicians and former Cabinet members, emphasizing their experience and commitment to public service. The candidates under Alyansa include former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos; Makati City Mayor Abby Binay; incumbent Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, and Francis Tolentino; former senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, and Vicente Sotto III; and House lawmakers Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar.
Only Abalos attended the rally, while Revilla was represented by his wife, Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla. The President highlighted his candidates’ diverse backgrounds in national and local governance, asserting their capability to support his administration’s agenda.
Abalos pledged to lower electricity bills if elected to the Senate, while Rep. Revilla reminded the audience of her husband’s achievements, notably the removal of expiration dates for birth and marriage certificates. President Marcos also rallied support for the local bets of One Cebu Party, led by Garcia and her running mate, Board Member Glenn Soco, emphasizing the need for a unified national and local leadership to ensure continued progress and development.
Garcia praised the President for his “P20 Bente Bigas Meron Na” program, which was launched in Cebu on May 1, and thanked him for fulfilling his promise to bring down the price of rice.
