By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates asserted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not engage in negative campaigning during their proclamation rally in Ilocos Norte.
While endorsing his administration’s senatorial slate on Feb. 11, Marcos criticized certain policies of his predecessor. He noted that his candidates had no history of extrajudicial killings, corruption, or pro-China narratives.
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III defended Marcos, saying the president was speaking in his official capacity and not as a candidate.
“The president was not a candidate. What we said is, it is us, the candidates, that are against negative campaigning, not him. He was just merely stating facts,” Sotto said during a press conference in Iloilo City on Feb. 12.
The administration-backed alliance was in Iloilo City for their proclamation rally, where Marcos was also present.
Sotto clarified that the campaign team’s directive against negative attacks applied to the candidates, not the president.
Candidates Focus on Platforms, Not Attacks
Former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo echoed Sotto’s statement, emphasizing that the president has his own opinion.
“He is the president. We cannot dictate him. It’s his opinion,” Tulfo said.
He reiterated that their campaign would focus on track records and achievements in public service.
“The alliance already agreed that we will stay away from negative campaigning. It will be more performance-based. We will not attack the other camp. We don’t like negative publicity,” he stressed.
Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos urged the public to view Marcos’ statements in a broader context, arguing that the president was merely highlighting the qualifications of his endorsed candidates.
“It’s not negative to say it. We are all for Philippine sovereignty, and all of us are against extrajudicial killings. I do not see anything wrong with what the president said,” he said.
Former Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Marcos had reason to make such statements, as he has access to government intelligence reports that warn of serious security threats to his administration and life.
“There is passion in the president’s speech, and I’d like to think that there is a reason for that,” Lacson said.
Pacquiao on Negative Campaigning
Former Sen. Manny Pacquiao also defended Marcos, saying the president was simply emphasizing the background of his senatorial bets.
Pacquiao further argued that candidates who resort to negative campaigning are not running to help the country but for personal gain.
“If there are candidates that attack others, the voters should think twice because, believe me, they are not genuine in helping the country,” he said.
