The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), led by Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. , has officially endorsed the candidates of the People’s Champ Movement (PCM) for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections in General Santos City and Sarangani province. This endorsement was solidified through an alliance agreement between the two political parties, signed on Saturday.
The alliance was formalized at the Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City, where PFP national president and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and PCM SarGen President, General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, led the signing ceremony. The partnership marks a significant political development in the region, aligning the national party with one of the most influential local political groups in Southern Mindanao.
Sarangani Governor Ruel Pacquiao, brother of former senator and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, shared the news on social media, announcing that the alliance has granted him the authority to sign the Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) for Sarangani’s provincial slate under the PFP. “Governor Tamayo also confirmed that PFP will not field any candidates in General Santos City but will fully support Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao and the entire PCM slate,” Pacquiao said.
Political Landscape in General Santos City
The Pacquiao family, through the People’s Champ Movement, has been a dominant political force in General Santos City and the province of Sarangani for years. The movement was founded by Manny Pacquiao, who once served as congressman and later became senator. Over the years, the Pacquiao family has solidified its political base, with siblings Ruel and Lorelie Pacquiao holding key positions in Sarangani and General Santos City.
Lorelie Pacquiao, currently serving as Mayor of General Santos City, is seen as a significant figure in the city’s political landscape. Her administration has focused on local development projects, improving public services, and addressing economic challenges in the city, which is known for its tuna industry and as the home of the boxing legend.
The decision of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas to endorse PCM’s candidates in the 2025 elections further strengthens the Pacquiao family’s political influence in the region. By not fielding any candidates in General Santos City, PFP ensures that PCM’s candidates will have unified support, minimizing political fragmentation and increasing the chances of a cohesive local leadership.
Regional Impact of the Alliance
The alliance between PFP and PCM is expected to shape the political landscape not only in General Santos City but also in the surrounding areas of Sarangani province. Sarangani Governor Ruel Pacquiao, a key figure in local governance, expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting that it will lead to stronger governance and more development projects in the region.
During the event, Malungon, Sarangani Mayor Tessa Constantino, who serves as the PCM Secretary General, was also present, further solidifying the alliance’s reach across multiple localities in the region.
The alignment of PFP with the People’s Champ Movement reflects the broader political dynamics in Southern Mindanao, where local alliances are crucial in determining the outcome of elections. With the Pacquiao family’s strong presence and PFP’s national backing, the 2025 elections are expected to bring significant developments to the region.
As both parties prepare for the midterm elections, their alliance is seen as a strategic move to consolidate political power in Southern Mindanao, ensuring continued leadership under the Pacquiao family while benefiting from the support of a national party led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
