On the opening day of campaigning for the local elections last Friday, March 28, candidates dove right into their campaigns. Many started their day with prayer sessions at churches, while others opted to meet residents personally by going door-to-door for handshakes.

Still, once they ascended onto the platform, several started sharing their aspirations, outlining their strategies, and pledged to turn these into reality for the betterment of those they aim to represent.

The Las Piñas mayoral contender Carlo Aguilar pledges to rejuvenate the city with an ambitious plan for advancement and transformation.

Aguilar vowed to revamp Las Piñas into a cutting-edge and contemporary city following years of standstill during the present leadership when he kicked off his campaign.

IN FULL SWING Candidates for the positions of mayor in Manila and Quezon City—Isko Moreno and Joy Belmonte respectively—are set to kick off their campaigns on March 28, 2025. This marks the beginning of the 45-day campaign window leading up to the national midterm elections scheduled for May. In Manila, Moreno faces competition from his ex-vice-mayor and current officeholder Honey Lacuna as well as opponents like Sam Verzosa and Raymond Bagatsing.
In Quezon City, Belmonte will be vying with challengers such as Jonathan Cabalo, Rolando Jota, Nou Navat, and Diosdado Velasco. Among those supporting Belmonte at her event were Councilor Dorothy Delarmente, Representative Arjo Atayde, Vice-Mayor Gian Sotto, and Councilor Charm Ferrer.
PHOTO CREDITS: RENE DILAN AND ISMAEL DE JUAN

He detailed his concept for a “New Las Piñas,” pointing out that the city has lagged behind adjacent areas within Metro Manila concerning infrastructure, economic growth, and the standard of public services.

“We used to be a top-notch city, yet now we find ourselves falling behind. Our roads continue to experience heavy traffic, our economy isn’t growing, and our public services haven’t gotten better either,” Aguilar stated. “It’s high time for a renewed Las Piñas. We require leaders who listen attentively, take action decisively, and prioritize their citizens above all else.”

Aguilar encouraged voters to voice their desire for change, especially the youth and those voting for the first time.

“The elections aren’t merely about selecting a leader; they’re about shaping the future of Las Piñas. It’s crucial for each citizen and every segment of society to join this initiative aimed at reinventing our city,” he stated.

Asenso Manileño

The Asenso Manileño party presented its slate of contenders, with front-runner for re-election Mayor Honey Lacuna and her deputy, current Vice Mayor Yul Servo, leading the charge at the proclamation rally held near Loreto Church.

They launched the local government campaign phase by going door-to-door. Lacuna stated, “The team we have put together for Congress and Council consists of highly capable and esteemed people.”

Lacuna stated during her door-to-door campaign in Sampalock, Manila, “Our team comprises a well-balanced group including professionals, university graduates, outstanding government workers, capable administrators, and esteemed local figures.”

Lacuna’s door-to-door initiative reflects her party’s dedication to a “hands-on and individualized strategy,” underscoring what she believes demonstrates their genuine concern and capability to serve their community members effectively.

“We will clasp hands and have significant discussions with genuine Manila voters. We won’t spend time on trolls since they are fake and compensated troublemakers,” Lacuna stated additionally.

Focus on principles

Senator Cynthia Villar formally kicked off her campaign with her slate of local candidates, starting with a Mass at San Ezekiel Moreno Church in Las Piñas City.

As she ran for a congressional position with the Nacionalista Party, Villar declared that her campaign would center around core values and causes.

As a seasoned senator, Villar became known for her commitment to public service. She vowed to keep championing causes related to agriculture and the environment, along with assisting her community members via various programs such as livelihood schemes, infrastructural improvements, housing projects, and efforts toward environmental conservation, notably tackling the problem of frequent floods.

“I need to keep pushing the local initiatives I started when I initially became the congresswoman of Las Piñas and subsequently served as a senator, and also launch additional programs to benefit my fellow Las Piñeros,” stated Villar.

She highlighted that serving the public is a duty, not a perk. She further stated, “Our local leaders should put community well-being first.”

Call for unity

Speaker Martin Romualdez officially launched his reelection campaign for Leyte’s first district by urging unity among his Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) supporters and promoting a fair election process.

“Let us join hands with our fellow Lakas-CMD candidates and show the people what genuine, trustworthy, and empathetic leadership truly means,” Romualdez stated following his gathering with supporters in Tacloban City.

“Ourservice goes on, and may God bless ourcampaign,” he said additionally.

Romualdez, who is seeking another term without opposition, vows to keep dedicating himself to Leyte’s progress just as he has throughout his career in public service. He aims to step up his initiatives and implement improved programs aimed at enhancing life for those he represents.

He similarly called upon his fellow Lakas-CMD contenders across the country to disseminate their philosophy of dedication and effectiveness within every Filipino community, highlighting that their common objective goes beyond mere electoral victories.

“During our campaign, we demonstrated that what truly counts are not merely words, but also actions. We’ve carried out initiatives that have had a noticeable effect on each village, community, and household,” stated Romualdez.

According to information provided by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), 6,118 aspirants are contesting elections under the Lakas-CMD ticket.

This encompasses two senate nominees (Senator Bong Revilla and House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo), 21 contenders for governor, 129 aspirants for representative, 29 bids for vice governor, 37 city mayors, 39 city vice mayors, 432 city councilors, 572 municipal mayors, 518 municipal deputy mayors, 4,089 municipal councilors, along with 250 board members.

REPORTS PROVIDED BY ADELFA CELESTINO, ALLEN LIMOS, JAVIER JOE ISMAEL, MOISES CRUZ, RHAYDZ BARCIA, AND ROSELLE AQUINO