AS political alliances shift for the 2025 elections, a House leader underscored the importance of political parties wishing to join the administration coalition to align with the principles and goals espoused by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.

“We have to call a spade a spade,” House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun, chairman of the House Committee on Bases Conversion, said during Tuesday’s press conference at the House of Representatives.

Khonghun pointed to Palawan 2nd District Rep. Pepito Alvarez, the president of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP), as a prime example.

Despite PDP being predominantly critical of President Marcos, particularly under the leadership of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who serves as the party’s chairman, Alvarez continues to align himself with the administration.

“Nakikita naman natin ngayon na karamihan ng oposisyon, nagmumukhang ang mukha ng oposisyon ngayon ay ang

PDP dahil karamihan ng bumabatikos at nagsasalita ng hindi maganda patungkol sa administrasyon ay mga miyembro ng PDP,” Khonghun said.

He continued, “Nagpapasalamat nga ako sa kanilang presidente, ang kaibigan natin, si Cong. Pepito Alvarez dahil patuloy siyang sumusuporta sa ating Pangulo. Ngunit alam natin na karamihan o iilan sa mga miyembro ng PDP ay talagang maanghang ang mga salitang binibitawan laban kay Pangulong Marcos.”

Khonghun emphasized the importance of alignment within coalitions, particularly regarding the nation’s principles and direction.

He highlighted the need for cooperation to improve the welfare of all Filipinos, echoing President Marcos’ focus on unity.

“Syempre kailangan natin sa mga ganitong klaseng koalisyon, meron tayong alignment lalong-lalo na sa prinsipyo at kung saan natin dadalhin ‘yung bansa,” Khonghun said.

“Ako bilang miyembro ng Lakas, talagang wine-welcome namin ‘yung mga partido, ‘yung mga samahan na talagang sumusuporta. May sinseridad na sumusuporta sa mga adhikain at prinsipyo ng ating administrasyon,” he pointed out.

Another Laka-CMD member, Davao Oriental 2nd District Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario, emphasized the significance of unity between political parties, citing its role in fostering a cohesive vision for the country.

“So, when we talk about the alliance of political parties let us also try to think na what does it spells for the country moving forward,” he said.

Reflecting on the implications of political alliances, Almario noted the importance of considering their impact on the country’s future.

“This also means na whatever the directive that the President maybe, we will also have a unified decision on how best to cater, to form any kind of priority legislation,” he stated.