The Evolution of Marcos Betting on Votes in Duterte's Stronghold This title suggests that the post will be exploring how Marcos' senatorial slate is attempting to replicate its success in Davao del Norte, which was once a stronghold of former president Rodrigo Duterte. The use of evolution implies that there may have been changes or developments since Marcos' presidential victory in 2022, and that the post will examine whether these changes will impact the administration's chances in the upcoming senatorial elections.

Title The Evolution of Marcos Betting on Votes in Duterte's Stronghold

As the senatorial slate backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. kicked off its campaign in Mindanao, the region that was once the stronghold of former president Rodrigo Duterte, many are left wondering if the administration's Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas ticket can replicate its success in Davao del Norte.

The Alyansa's first rally in Mindanao took place on Saturday in Carmen, Davao del Norte, a province that has historically been dominated by former House speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, one of Duterte's longtime allies. The event was expected to draw large crowds and showcase the administration's senatorial slate, which includes senators Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Lito Lapid, and Francis Tolentino; former senators Manny Pacquiao, Tito Sotto, and Panfilo Lacson; House lawmakers Deputy Speaker Camille Villar and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo; former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos; and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay.

In the 2022 presidential race, Marcos won a landslide victory in Davao del Norte, with 470,000 out of 577,781 voters supporting him - an impressive 81 percent. This success was largely attributed to the backing he received from Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte. However, the political alliance between Marcos and Sara has since collapsed, leaving many wondering if the administration's senatorial slate can maintain its drawing power in the region.

According to Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, campaign manager for Alyansa, the senatorial slate is confident that it can tap into the strong support Marcos received from Mindanaoans during his presidential bid. Just as they stood behind PBBM [President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.] when he won 81 percent of the vote in Davao del Norte, we believe our Mindanaoan brothers and sisters will back our Senate slate, which shares his vision for progress, Tiangco said.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the administration's drawing power in the region, Tiangco emphasized that the Alyansa's senatorial slate is composed of proven leaders with the experience and track record to serve the Filipino people. These are individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to public service and have a deep understanding of the issues facing our country, he said.

The stakes for the administration's senatorial slate will be high as it seeks to win over voters in the Duterte bailiwick, where Marcos' predecessor won significant support during his presidential campaign. The outcome will likely play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Mindanao and the Philippines as a whole.

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CEO / Co-Founder

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