ANTIPOLO, Rizal – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. updated his campaign rally chant following Senator Imee Marcos’ decision to part ways with the administration’s senatorial slate.
During previous rallies for Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, Marcos led the crowd with the rousing chant, “Labingdalawa, Alyansa!” in support of the slate’s full 12 candidates. But at the latest rally in Antipolo, he shifted to, “Alyansa all the way!” — signaling the team is now down to 11.
“So this May, don’t hesitate. Alyansa all the way! Alyansa for a new Philippines!” Marcos told supporters.
This marks the first Alyansa campaign rally since Senator Imee Marcos officially withdrew from the ticket last week. She cited differences in principles, particularly in how the administration handled the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, as the reason for her departure.
Campaign manager and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco confirmed the split: “Senator Imee has chosen to leave Alyansa, and we respect her decision. We’re moving forward with our campaign and focusing on our 11 qualified candidates.”
Former Senator Panfilo Lacson also wished Imee well, but joked about the new chant. “We’re down to eleven, but we still wish Senator Imee the best in her campaign,” he quipped. “The one really affected by this is Andrew E—now he has to tweak his chant to ‘Labing-isa!’”
Rapper Andrew E., a regular performer at Alyansa rallies, usually kicks off the chant before the President delivers his speech.