ILOILO City – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. criticized the previous administration during the proclamation rally of Alyansa Para sa Makabagong Pilipinas on February 13 in Mandurriao district.
In his speech, Marcos praised the administration’s senatorial candidates, highlighting their clean records and lack of involvement in human rights violations.
Marcos accused the former leadership of corruption, pandemic mismanagement, and failing to defend Filipino interests in the West Philippine Sea.
“They pocketed sacks of money, exploited the pandemic, and neglected our citizens, leaving them to fall ill and die during the COVID crisis,” he said.
He also took aim at officials he claimed enabled China’s aggressive actions:
“Some even applaud whenever China sprays water cannons at our compatriots, blocks our fishermen, and seizes their catch,” Marcos lamented.
Ahead of the rally, Deputy Speaker and senatorial candidate Camille Villar emphasized the importance of educational reform during a press conference at Hotel del Rio.
Villar has consistently pushed for modernizing the Philippine education system, proposing the integration of technology in classrooms, enhanced teacher training, and updated curricula to prepare students for global workforce demands.
She also advocated for public-private partnerships to improve educational infrastructure and resources, aligning with the Alyansa Para sa Makabagong Pilipinas’ commitment to progressive, inclusive, and accessible reforms in education.
Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, also a senatorial candidate, detailed his legislative agenda, focusing on empowering local government units (LGUs).
Abalos proposed amending the Local Government Code of 1991 to increase LGUs’ autonomy, enhance resource allocation, and improve decision-making capabilities.
With extensive experience as Mandaluyong City Mayor and DILG Secretary, Abalos highlighted the need for fiscal reforms and decentralization to strengthen grassroots governance and service delivery.
The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) has endorsed Abalos’s efforts, urging him to continue advocating for local governance reforms in the Senate.
Abalos envisions a more decentralized and responsive governance structure to address community needs and drive national development./PN
