Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo accompanied presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and vice presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio during their visit in Lucena City. 

Marcos and Duterte-Carpio conducted their visit to meet supporters in Quezon Province on Wednesday, December 1.

The alliance between Arroyo and BBM-SARA was established when Lakas-CMD, the political party of Arroyo, together with Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) of former president Joseph Estrada, endorsed Marcos and Duterte-Carpio for president and vice president on November 25. 

Initially, PMP had helped Estrada win the 1992 vice presidential and 1998 presidential elections, whereas Lakas-CMD produced former president Arroyo in 2004.

The coalition is said to strengthen the unifying leadership espoused by Marcos and Duterte as the tandem aims to solidify their support both from the northern and southern parts of the country.

“This is the beginning of our consolidation of the political forces at least on this side of the political aisle as we have been experiencing. It has been a tumultuous campaign already and we are still six months away from the actual election,” Marcos said in his speech during the alliance signing ceremony.

“I am proud of this agreement that powerfully illustrates leadership transcending throughout political colors. To PFP, Lakas-CMD, PMP, and HNP – there is no turning back,” Duterte-Carpio said in a recorded speech.