Speaker Martin Romualdez strategizes with leaders of the country’s top political parties in Malacanang. Image courtesy of Office of House Speaker Romualdez 

The nation’s top political leaders convened Monday night at the Aguado residence in Malacañang to lay out a strategic plan for the May 2025 midterm elections.

Monday night's meeting was the first gathering of key leaders from the country’s major political parties, now united under the banner of "Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas."

The alliance, spearheaded by Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the political party headed by President Marcos, includes the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), the Nacionalista Party (NP), and the National Unity Party (NUP).

Speaker Martin Romualdez strategizes with leaders of the country’s top political parties in Malacanang. Image courtesy of Office of House Speaker Romualdez 

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, president of the ruling Lakas-CMD, emphasized the need to prevent internal conflicts and maintain incumbents' equity, ensuring each party's interests are protected as they work together in pursuit of this shared vision.

“We are not just allies in name. We are united by a shared purpose—to serve our nation with integrity, strength, and unwavering resolve,” Speaker Romualdez said. “The challenges we face require a coalition that is not only strong but also harmonious. That’s what we are building here today.”

“This is more than just a strategic planning session; it is a declaration of our shared commitment to the Filipino people," he added.

Speaker Martin Romualdez strategizes with leaders of the country’s top political parties in Malacanang. Image courtesy of Office of House Speaker Romualdez 

From the PFP, the delegation during the meeting included Special Assistant to the President Antonio “Anton” Lagdameo Jr., Executive Vice President; South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo S. Tamayo, president; retired Gen. Thompson P. Lantion, secretary general; and Atty. George S. Briones, legal counsel.

Also present were Lakas-CMD stalwarts Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr.; House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, who also serves as the party’s executive vice president; Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino II, the party’s secretary general; and Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez, who serves as treasurer.

Speaker Martin Romualdez strategizes with leaders of the country’s top political parties in Malacanang. Image courtesy of Office of House Speaker Romualdez 

Representing the NP were Sen. Mark Villar, Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron, and Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny “Bambi” Emano.

NPC was represented by its chairman, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, along with its secretary general, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office head Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza.

Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund “L-Ray” Villafuerte, NUP president, and Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Raymond Garcia, NUP secretary general, also took part in the meeting.