PRP, Hugpong renew alliance for 2022 elections

MANILA, Philippines — The People’s Reform Party (PRP) and Hugpong ng Pagbabago yesterday formalized their political alliance for the May 2022 national and local elections.

The PRP, a national political party founded by the late senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, is headed by her husband Narciso Santiago Jr.

Hugpong, a Region XI political party chaired by Davao City Mayor and vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte, is headed by Claude Bautista as president.

Santiago and Bautista signed the 2022 Alliance Agreement, a renewal of their political alliance in the 2019 elections.

The two political parties said they both seek a peaceful and democratic way of life for their constituents, as well as the upholding of freedom and the rule of law, among others.

Santiago said that the PRP principles are “reflections of the strong political stance and extraordinary qualities” of the late senator and founder who was fondly called “Inday Miriam” by Ilonggos.

Similarly, Duterte, also known as “Inday Sara,” possessed the same qualities, Santiago said.

Santiago said the shared objectives and vision paved the way for the forging of the alliance.

The two groups adopted Duterte as their vice presidential candidate, and will support the candidacies of the presidential and senatorial candidates whose lineup will be selected by Duterte and the alliance.

For the local elections, the PRP will not field candidates and instead will just endorse Hugpong for Region XI bets. The HNP will not endorse specific local candidates in other regions and will work with all candidates to promote unity.

Former defense chief and Tarlac congressman Gilberto Teodoro, a PRP senatorial candidate who witnessed the signing of the alliance agreement, vowed to fully support all candidates of the alliance, both in national and local elections.