Political parties form “UniTeam” alliance to back Marcos-Duterte tandem

Four parties, Lakas-CMD, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), and Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) teamed up in support of the Marcos-Duterte tandem. The parties formalized the agreement on Thursday at Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City, officially forming the “UniTeam Alliance”.

The agreement was signed by PFP President South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, HNP President Davao Occidental Gov. Claude Bautista, Lakas-CMD President House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, and PMP President ex-senator Jinggoy Estrada.

Per the agreement, the four parties will give their “full and unqualified” support to the Marcos-Duterte tandem in the upcoming elections. It also allows the parties to field one senatorial candidate in the lineup.

The parties have been behind the successful campaigns of some former Philippine leaders. All four of them are also presently led by children of former and current Philippine presidents: Duterte, Marcos, and Estrada. 

Lakas-CMD produced former presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Fidel Ramos, who founded the party. The party is now chaired by Sara Duterte, who also chairs the regional party HNP.

PMP, meanwhile, is the party of ousted president Joseph Estrada, father of its current president Jinggoy. Marcos Jr. also took an oath as the chair PFP last October before the official announcement of his presidential bid.

"Kaming tatlo po ay pawang mga anak ng presidente. Hindi na po talaga maiaalis sa aming kamalayan, sa aming dugo, at sa aming mga puso ang makapaglingkod sa ating mahal na bayan,” said Jinggoy during the agreement signing. 

Marcos Jr. in his speech during the signing forwarded the Marcos-Duterte tandem’s message of “unity” behind their candidacy. 

“Together we have come together on the basis of unity and it is this unifying force that I believe will bring stability back first, to the political arena and secondly, to the country,” he said. 

Sara Duterte echoed Marcos sentiment, saying in a recorded speech: “Our alliance is built on friendship, trust, and the commitment to serve the Filipinos and the country.”