Admin’s ‘Magic 12’ lineup for 2025 speculative – PFP

MANILA, Philippines — A list supposedly naming the administration’s 12-person lineup for the 2025 polls is “speculative,” an official of President Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) insisted yesterday.

“Those are just speculations. All parties will still submit the names of their Senate nominees on Sept. 15, and that’s still too far off. It might even be included in the arbitration committee. It’s still a long way to go,” PFP secretary-general Thompson Lantion told The STAR.

The former police official said they understand the predicament of Sen. Imee Marcos – the President’s sister who is seeking reelection in next year’s midterm polls – but clarified that nothing is final yet because they have just convened to strategize their political plans.

“We have no list yet. All parties will submit their nominees, and it’s not just in the Senate but also down the line to the congressional, provincial and municipal level,” Lantion added, dousing cold water on reports that the list is almost done.

Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin also stressed there is no final decision yet on the 12-person senatorial slate of the President’s Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas.

“As far as we know, there is no final discussion on that (Senate slate) yet. Yes, there were discussions among political party leaders and names were recommended and put forward, but this is just the first step,” she said.

Sources said submission for the senatorial nominees for the Magic 12 will be until Sept. 15, when stalwarts of the coalition from the ruling Lakas-CMD, PFP, Nacionalista Party, Nationalist People’s Coalition and National Unity Party will decide on the list.

Makabayan bets

The Makabayan coalition now has six candidates for senator in the 2025 midterm elections after Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) chairman Teddy Casiño announced he will be gunning for a Senate seat.

In his speech at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City, Casiño urged voters to give activists like him a chance to serve as a lawmaker in the upper chamber instead of traditional politicians belonging to political dynasties.

The former Bayan Muna party-list representative said people should also ignore the administration ticket of President Marcos and the senatorial slate of personalities allied with former president Rodrigo Duterte, whom he described as a bogus opposition.

Other candidates of the Makabayan coalition are ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, Kilusang Mayo Uno’s Jerome Adonis, former National Anti-Poverty Commission chair Liza Maza and Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas vice chairman Ronnel Arambulo.

Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas chairman Danilo Ramos is also set to announce his intention to run for the Senate at a press conference in Malolos City, Bulacan today.

Meanwhile, well-known businessman and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson announced he will run for senator in the 2025 election. - Ric Sapnu