By Sean Rafio
Iloilo Fourth District Representative Ferjenel Biron joined the nation’s top political leaders on Monday, August 19, at the Aguado residence in Malacañang to strategize for the May 2025 midterm elections.
“Wala untat ang aton pagtuo nga ang paghiusa, amo ang aton kusog. Bisan diin kita magkadto ato ini ginadala gihapon. Kag subong ginpakusog pa gid naton ang sining kabug-osan agud masiguro ang pag-asenso sang Pilipinas (Our faith in unity remains strong, and wherever we go, we carry it with us. Now, we have strengthened this collective force to ensure the progress of the Philippines),” Biron said during the first gathering of key leaders from the country’s major political parties, now united under the banner of “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
The alliance, spearheaded by Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the political party led by President Marcos, includes Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), the Nacionalista Party (NP), and the National Unity Party (NUP).
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, president of the ruling Lakas-CMD, led the discussions, emphasizing the importance of fostering unity, preventing internal conflicts, and ensuring a cohesive and effective strategy for the May 2025 elections.
“This is more than just a strategic planning session; it is a declaration of our shared commitment to the Filipino people,” Romualdez said.
“Our unity is our strength, and today we solidify that bond to ensure that our vision for a better Philippines will continue to be realized. We are here not only to support the programs and projects of President Marcos but also to help realize his vision of unity towards lasting peace and prosperity for all.”
“We are not just allies in name. We are united by a shared purpose—to serve our nation with integrity, strength, and unwavering resolve. The challenges we face require a coalition that is not only strong but also harmonious. That’s what we are building here today,” he added.
Joining Romualdez were Lakas-CMD stalwarts Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr.; House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe (executive vice president); Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino II (secretary general); and Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez (treasurer).
Officials of PFP, the political party of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who attended the meeting included Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. (executive vice president); South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo (president); retired Gen. Thompson Lantion (secretary general); and Atty. George Briones (legal counsel).
Representing the Nacionalista Party were Sen. Mark Villar, Iloilo Rep. Ferjenel Biron, and Misamis Oriental Rep. Yevgeny Emano.
Former Senate President Tito Sotto III (chairperson) and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office head Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza (secretary general) attended on behalf of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.
National Unity Party president and Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte and Bataan Rep. Albert Raymond Garcia (secretary general) also participated in the meeting.
Biron, in his statement, emphasized the need to prevent internal conflicts and maintain equity among incumbents, ensuring that each party’s interests are protected as they work together in pursuit of a shared vision.
“Bugal naton nga magbulig para matuman ang aton ginalaum nga mauswagon nga pungsod para sa tanan (We take pride in helping to achieve our vision of a prosperous nation for all),” he said.
“Padayon ang aton pagpanglakaton padulong sa Bagong Pilipinas agud nga ang handum naton para sa aton mga kabataan kag sa masunod nga henerasyon magtuman kag magpabilin (Our journey towards a New Philippines continues so that our dreams for our children and future generations can be fulfilled and sustained),” he concluded.