ANGELES CITY, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was noticeably absent from the political rallies of his senatorial slate, Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas, held across Pampanga on Tuesday, April 23—leaving many supporters questioning his no-show.
Thousands gathered at the Lapid Sports Arena in Barangay Pampang, Angeles City for one of four rallies in the province. While the full senatorial lineup was present—led by Senators Raffy Tulfo, Pia Cayetano, Bong Revilla, Abby Binay, Francis Tolentino, Camille Villar, Benhur Abalos, Tito “Toto” Sotto, and Lito Lapid—the absence of Marcos drew murmurs from the crowd.
“Bakit wala si PBBM dito sa Pampanga?” asked Raymond De Guzman, a voter from Porac. “Halos lahat ng sortie ng Alyansa ay dinaluhan ni PBBM. Bakit wala siya rito para ikampanya ang kanyang mga kandidato?”
The rally, attended by around 10,000 voters from Angeles City, Porac, Magalang, Arayat, and Mabalacat, was meant to showcase the administration’s support for its Senate bets. Pampanga Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, and local leaders, including Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin and Rep. Jon Lazatin, were also in attendance.
While Marcos’ absence went unexplained, the local support shown by the influential Pineda and Lazatin clans underscored Pampanga’s strategic role in the national race.
Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas is expected to continue its provincial sorties in the coming weeks, but questions remain about whether the President will be more visible moving forward.