Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Manny Pacquiao and Camille Villar on Friday joined the second leg of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s “suroy-suroy,” a two-day heritage and political caravan bringing national leaders directly to the people in the country’s most vote-rich province.
Among the candidates endorsed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the four joined Garcia’s One Cebu Party in visiting over a dozen cities and towns, consistent with Alyansa’s commitment to community-based leadership and rural development.
With over 3.4 million registered voters, Cebu remains a powerful electoral force. Alyansa’s presence here reflects its intensified efforts to solidify its Visayas base ahead of the May midterm elections.
Sotto, who has principally authored 259 laws, highlighted key legislation he championed for local development, including the calamity fund, family courts, the creation of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Mental Health Act, and the “Doktor Para sa Bayan” law.
The former Senate President vowed to push for the institutionalization of the 14th month pay and the criminalization of fake news.
“If we institutionalize the 14th month pay, it can be given during June when parents pay tuition. I will file this again in the Senate. But I can’t do this alone. That’s why I ask for the support of Cebu—Ako Bisaya,” Sotto said.
Lacson, meanwhile, heaped praise on Governor Garcia, calling her one of the most admired and influential leaders in the Visayas.
“I am a great fan of Governor Gwen Garcia—not only because of her strong leadership but for bringing Cebu to where it is now. Your gross domestic product in 2023 hit P411 billion, up by six percent. That alone deserves congratulations,” Lacson said.
A former senator and longtime fiscal watchdog, Lacson committed to augmenting the budget of the Department of Tourism (DOT) if re-elected, in support of Cebu’s booming tourism sector.
“If given the chance to return to the Senate, I’ll push for institutional amendments to strengthen the DOT’s budget. Cebu deserves continued support for tourism and development,” Lacson said.
Pacquiao, a former senator and globally renowned boxing champion, brought his message of hope and service to Cebu, as he emphasized his fight against poverty and corruption.
Deputy Speaker Villar reaffirmed her commitment to public service, focusing on support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), job creation, and affordable housing.
“Nais ko pong ipagpatuloy ang mga nasimulan ng aking pamilya—ang pagtulong sa mga OFWs, ang pagbigay ng mas maraming trabaho at sapat na kita at siyempre, ang ating mura at libreng pabahay para sa lahat,” she said.
This was the second time Alyansa candidates have joined Governor Garcia’s “suroy-suroy,” following the March 27–29 leg in southern Cebu.
The unique campaign format—part heritage tour, part grassroots consultation—allows for direct, informal conversations with local leaders and citizens.
The Alyansa ticket also includes former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Lito Lapid, Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino, and ACT-CIS Representative and former DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo.
