Alternatives

The filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2025 midterm elections is just three months away.

So far, we’re seeing the rats deserting the sinking ship of what was once the mighty Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban, and jumping over to the new ruling party and coalition headed by who else, the person in power. Soon the Dutertes and a handful of stragglers could be the only ones left in the PDP-Laban for the midterm races, which are usually dominated by administration candidates.

The resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte from the Cabinet is hastening the exodus from her father’s party, to which she doesn’t belong. Meanwhile, her regional party, the Hugpong ng Pagbabago, is in limbo.

Also in limbo is the pink / yellow traditional or classic opposition.

The progressive Makabayan bloc describes itself as the “true opposition” – as opposed, I guess, to the Duterte-led anti-Marcos opposition.

Makabayan has announced that it will be fielding a full slate for the 12 open Senate seats in the 2025 race. Among the candidates is ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, who has said the other bets will be taken from the marginalized sectors.

Castro said Makabayan is exploring a coalition with the Liberal Party, currently headed by Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, to draw up the true opposition ticket.

Among the LP’s expected bets for the Senate in 2025 are former senator Kiko Pangilinan plus non-LP members Bam Aquino and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno.

Former senator Leila de Lima, currently the LP spokesperson, has said she does not intend to run for any post in 2025. Former VP Leni Robredo will reportedly seek a local post in Camarines Sur.

*      *      *

Besides drawing up a strong slate, the traditional opposition will need strong messaging.

The Duterte brand is strong because it has a clear stand on a specific issue: an unapologetic, iron-fist approach to criminality. It offers public safety.

The Tulfo brand is built on action agad – something the red tape-entangled bureaucracy can’t deliver – on a broad range of concerns. It offers speedy solutions to problems such as marital infidelity and favoritism in government ayuda distribution.

What’s the