Alyansa bets set sights on Camarines Sur; will they visit Leni?
At A Glance
- The administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate is set to court Bicolandia this weekend, starting with the "crucial battleground" of Camarines Sur.
- Perhaps the most influential personality in Camarines Sur--if not in the entirety of Bicol--is former vice president Leni Robredo.
The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate (Mark Balmores/ MANILA BULLETIN)
The administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate is set to court Bicolandia this weekend, starting with the "crucial battleground" of Camarines Sur.
Navotas City lone district Rep. Toby Tiangco, Alyansa’s campaign manager, underscored the strategic importance of the province, given its economic strength, population size and role in national politics.
The 12-person slate is set to hold a big campaign rally in the municipality of Pili--the provincial capital--on Friday, March 7.
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.
Camarines Sur has 1.34 million registered voters for the May 2025 mid-term elections
“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.
He said Alyansa’s presence in the province aligns with President Marcos' vision for national progress. Such vision ensures that key regions like Bicol continue to benefit from the administration’s infrastructure and development programs.
“The province is central to agriculture, trade, and infrastructure in the region, and our goal is to ensure continued progress and national alignment in its development,” he added.
The senatorial candidates will present their platforms focused on economic growth, infrastructure, and agricultural development—all of which are key priorities for Camarines Sur.
The province is a major producer of rice, coconut and abaca--making it a vital contributor to the country’s agricultural economy.
The Alyansa slate is expected to highlight programs supporting farmers, fisherfolk and local industries, reinforcing its commitment to rural development and food security.
Infrastructure will also take center stage, with Alyansa candidates emphasizing the government’s ongoing investments in Camarines Sur, particularly the Camarines Sur Expressway, a major road project set for completion in 2028.
The expressway is expected to enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and open more economic opportunities for businesses and residents.
Former vice president Leni Robredo (Mark Balmores/ MANILA BULLETIN)
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“With a highly engaged electorate, the Bicol Region plays a key role in this election,” Tiangco pointed out.
He added: “Alyansa is here to present a vision of sustained development and national alignment that will bring real progress to Camarines Sur and beyond. We are committed to delivering results, not just promises.”
Leni Robredo
Perhaps the most influential personality in Camarines Sur--if not in the entirety of Bicol--is former vice president Leni Robredo. She is running for mayor of Naga City, the most populous city in the province.
Asked if any of the Alyansa bets have sought meetings or courtesy calls to Robredo, Tiangco said, "[I'm] not aware of any."
Several politicians from the national level have made courtesy calls to the Liberal Party (LP) stalwart in the months leading to the campaign period.