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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Unity, opposition style: New coalition tears a page from PBBM's book

Unity, opposition style: New coalition tears a page from PBBM's book

Published Apr 12, 2026 09:33 pm

At A Glance

  • A newly-formed opposition coalition to the current administration is using the "unity" catchphrase that was made popular by President Marcos.
From left to right, seated: Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste, former Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte (Facebook)
From left to right, seated: Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste, former Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte (Facebook)


A newly-formed opposition coalition to the current administration is using the "unity" catchphrase that was made popular by President Marcos.
Former House Speaker and Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez placed the spotlight on the so-called "RAGE Coalition" in a Facebook post on Sunday night, April 12.
Alvarez--a trusted ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte--called the formation of the coalition earlier that day as "a powerful moment of unity, purpose, and resolve".
"In a time when unity is most needed, this alliance sends a clear message: real change begins when leaders stand together, not for power, but for the people," wrote the Mindanaoan, who led the lower chamber of Congress during the 17th Congress.
The RAGE Coalition is comprised of Alvarez's Partido Reporma, Mike Defensor's Reform PH, and Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte of Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban).
It was during the coalition's launch Sunday at Club Filipino in San Juan City that Acting Mayor Duterte's new designstion as PDP-Laban president was declared.
The 38-year-old is the younger brother of Vice President Sara Duterte and son of former president Duterte, who is facing the charge of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague.
"RAGE Coalition rising with purpose, leading with conviction, and fighting for a better tomorrow," Alvarez further wrote.
Also attending the event was Marcos administration critic Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste.
The coalition is expected to be a platform for anti-administration figures leading into the 2028 national elections.
Ironically, it was Marcos and his then- "UniTeam" running mate Sara Duterte who ran under the simple but easy-to-remember platform of unity during the 2022 polls.

Related Tags

RAGE Coalition Pantaleon Alvarez PBBM Mike Defensor Sebastian \"Baste\" Duterte PDP-LABAN Partido Reporma Reform PH unity
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