Alansya para sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign rally in Pili, Camarines Sur (Rep. Villafuerte's Facebook)

Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. Lray Villafuerte believes that the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate "has gained a foothold in vote-rich Bicol" based on its campaign rally in the province last Friday, March 7 that drew a reported 80,000 people.

Headlining the campaign rally for the administration candidates was President Marcos himself. It was held at the Kaogma Grounds in the capital municipality of Pili.

“Proof that Alyansa has gained a foothold in vote-rich Bicol is the mammoth crowd, estimated at 80,000, that attended the campaign rally here before the weekend where President Marcos sought voter support for his powerhouse slate," Villafuerte said in a statement Sunday, March 9.

The veteran congressman and National Unity Party (NUP) president said the Pili crowd was the the biggest so far that greeted the Alyansa slate since the campaign period began last Feb. 11.

“The record rally crowd is testament to the formidable support that the President enjoys among us CamSur folk, as we appreciate  and value his Administration’s continuous efforts to energize our province and its people,” Villafuerte said.

Bicol boasts an estimated four million registered voters for the summer balloting, of whom 1.34 million are in Camarines Sur.  

In a statement prior to Friday's rally, Alyansa campaign manager and Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco cited the “strategic importance of Camarines Sur, given its economic strength, population size and role in national politics".

Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte (center) (Facebook)

“As the third wealthiest province in the Philippines and the largest in Bicol by population and land area, Camarines Sur is a crucial battleground for Alyansa,” Tiangco said.

Alyansa is composed of former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senator Lito Lapid, Senator Imee Marcos, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, ACT-CIS Rep. and former Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary Erwin Tulfo, and Deputy Speaker Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar.