Miting de Avance: What Alyansa bets have to say on final campaign rally

The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate.

MANILA, Philippines — Ninety days after the campaign season began, senatorial candidates of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas once again faced the public — this time to deliver their final message to Filipino voters.

The administration-backed Alyansa’s final rally was held in Mandaluyong exactly three days before the 2025 midterm elections.

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Ten of the 11-man senatorial slate attended the rally.  Only senatorial hopeful Camille Villar was absent.

Below are the highlights of each senatorial hopeful’s messages during the slate’s final rally. Note: The rest of the quotations were translated in English.

Pia Cayetano

The reelectionist connected to the masses by sharing her life story — how she had a child who eventually died due to several illnesses.

Cayetano said the death of her child inspired her to craft laws for the betterment of everyone’s health.

“That’s really all I want to say after 18 years. I’ve been like a mother in the Senate—crafting laws for health, for education, scholarships for our children. We have hospitals, specialty hospitals that we fund for families who are sick,” said Cayetano.

“But most importantly, we make sure to look at the value of the budget, that each department gets enough funding for the important programs for our families,” she added.

Panfilo “Ping” Lacson

Lacson, for his part, reminded voters of his capabilities. He said what he holds at present is nothing but 3Ks: Karanasan, Kwalipikasyon, and Kakayahan. (Experience, Qualification, and Ability)

“As a former soldier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and a former law enforcer under the Philippine National Police, I have risked my life several times to defend order, peace, and the safety of our people,” said Lacson.

“As a legislator, I have been called the watchdog of the people’s money. And if you allow me, I will remain that watchdog to ensure that the national budget—our budget—goes to its rightful destination and beneficiaries,” he added.

Lito Lapid

Lapid took a different style in wooing the voters, reminding them of what laws he has initiated.

Lapid said for the past 90 days, the Alyansa went to various places in the country, giving them the opportunity to see first hand what the people need.

“That’s why, for the people who can’t afford to pay for a lawyer—our poor countrymen—I passed the Free Legal Assistance Act (Republic Act 9999). That’s free legal aid for those who can’t afford lawyers,” he said.

“For those who are often oppressed when it comes to justice and the law, that’s what I focused on. I also focused on tourism because I’m the chairman of the Senate’s tourism committee. We will continue to expand tourism here in the Philippines,” he added.

Manny Pacquiao

Former Sen. Pacquiao, meanwhile, said he wants to leave a legacy, not only through boxing, but also through public service.

“Because I’m thinking about my future after my life here on Earth. We all have somewhere to go, a destination, so while we’re still alive and strong, we should build a legacy that can help and uplift the lives of poor Filipinos,” said Pacquiao.

He said if someone can leave a legacy, they won’t be forgotten.

Tito Sotto

Ex-Senate chief Sotto urged the public to help him make history by being the first senator in the country to be elected five times.

“I’ve served four terms as a senator and authored and sponsored 259 laws. I’m third in Philippine history—only three senators have been elected four times: Senator Lorenzo Tañada, Senator Frank Drilon, and myself, Senator Tito Sotto,” said Sotto.

“Now I come before you again. Help me make history. If I get elected, I’ll be the only senator in the Philippines elected five times,” he said.

Francis Tolentino

Tolentino took the opportunity to thank the public. He then proceeded to remind them of what he’s done when he was still the chairperson of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Apart from this, he reminded the people how he spearheaded a Senate inquiry that exposed the alleged Chinese interference in the 2025 midterm polls.

“These 90 days are 90 days of experience. A wealth of experience and wisdom one gains in a lifetime. I’ve learned so much, and all these lessons I will carry for life. Thank you to everyone who listened, and thank you also to those I’ve heard from—from farmers, fishermen, and even jeepney drivers who are still adjusting to the modernization program of their vehicles,” said Tolentino.

Erwin Tulfo

Tulfo, who noted that they already had enough time to say all they want to say, instead chose to campaign for his brother Ben Tulfo who is also gunning for a seat in the Senate.

He likewise thanked the public for making him “number one” in pre-election surveys.

“In the Philippines and abroad—Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao—thank you for making me number one. Thank you so much. The success of the Alyansa (Alliance) is the success of the people. Because the Alliance brings experience and, as they say, work when we are already there,” said Tulfo.

“There are only eleven of us. Let’s add one more. Please include Ben Tulfo as the twelfth,” he added.

Benhur Abalos Jr.

Senatorial candidate Abalos Jr. meanwhile enumerated his contributions not only as former Mayor of Mandaluyong but also ex-chief of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Abalos specifically said his performance was “solid,” making him qualified to be a senator.

“The true measure of a city’s wealth or development isn’t the money in the bank or the buildings, but how you raise the standard of living of your constituents—and that’s what I gave to Mandaluyong,” said Abalos.

“All of these, I will bring to the Senate. Help me. Bring your children. Let’s show what we’ve done in Mandaluyong. You’ve witnessed the hardships here,” he added.

Abby Binay

Former Makati mayor Binay said she is grateful for the opportunity given to her to stand in the same stage as her fellow senatorial candidates.

She said she’s grateful for having earned friends who are “bound to be senators.”

But most importantly, she emphasized that the election itself is divisive, appealing to everyone not to let this event affect their relationship with others.

“I just want to say, elections are very divisive. For one day, we may be opponents, but I hope that after the elections, we can all unite for a better and new Philippines,” said Binay.

Bong Revilla

Revilla, similar to his speeches in previous campaign rallies, debunked claims that the only thing he does in the Senate is to dance budots.

The reelectionist said he, in fact, has paved the way for the passage of over 300 laws.

“I served as Vice Governor, Governor of the province, and Senator for three terms. If I’m lucky, this will be my fourth. But I’ve already filed over two thousand proposed laws,” said Revilla.

“Some may think I just do the ‘budots’ dance, but I’ve passed 343 laws that our countrymen are now benefiting from. Among them are the extended centenarian law, the ‘Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,’ and the ‘Anti No Permit, No Exam’ policy for the youth, among many others,” he added. /MR