MANILA — The Liberal Party (LP) of the Philippines is anticipated to collaborate with Akbayan’s Senator Risa Hontiveros to create a coalition Senate slate for the 2025 elections.
During a National Executive Council meeting in San Juan, party leaders revealed that they are fielding former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, the party chairman, as their sole senatorial candidate for now.
Despite this, LP expressed its commitment to backing the senatorial bids of former Senator Bam Aquino and lawyer Chel Diokno.
Erin Tañada, LP’s Executive Vice President, hinted at the possibility of forming a coalition with Hontiveros and other political groups, given that there is only one official LP senatorial candidate at this stage.
“Magpapatawag ng coalition meeting si Sen. Risa dahil siya ang kinikilala ngayon na head of the opposition. And in that meeting, pag-uusapan ano yung magiging huling bilang ng ififield kandidato sa Senado,” Tañada explained.
(Sen. Risa [Hontiveros], who is now regarded as the head of the opposition, will call a coalition meeting. In that meeting, we will determine the final number of senatorial candidates.)
The Liberal Party also commended Hontiveros for her contributions as a senator during the event. Rep. Edcel Lagman was also recognized, though both were absent from the gathering.
Additionally, Tañada confirmed the party’s support for former Vice President Leni Robredo, who will run for the mayoral position in Naga, Camarines Sur.
Tañada will likewise run as one of the nominees of the Mamamayang Liberal party-list, LP’s sectoral representative list. Former Senator Leila de Lima will lead the list, followed by former Rep. Ted Baguilat.
He is hopeful that all three nominees can secure party-list seats and plans to enhance their social media campaigns.
“Youth-driven yung sumuporta noong 2022 at ongoing rin trainings paano sila lalahok sa social media quite and quote war. Para lalung itulak ang kampanya ni Sec. Kiko, ni Sen. Bam, ni Atty Chel at party-list,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pangilinan accepted the nomination as the LP’s senatorial candidate, emphasizing the need for more reforms in sectors like agriculture. “Itaga niyo sa bato hindi pa tayo tapos, parating pa lang tayo sa exciting part,” he said.