North Luzon solons affirm support for Marcos administration 

An alliance of congressmen hailing from the northern portion of Luzon has expressed its support for the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

The Northern Luzon Alliance in the House of Representatives, composed of lawmakers from Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and the Cordillera Administrative Region, affirmed in their manifesto their unwavering commitment to work with the administration. 

"Guided by our sworn duty to advance the national interest and to uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions, we stand united behind the President’s governance agenda for a stable, progressive and future-ready Philippines,” the alliance said in its manifesto. 

“In view of the foregoing, we hereby formally declare: Our unwavering support to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and his Administration; Our full commitment to pass legislation aligned with the President’s national agenda; Our firm determination to uphold transparency, accountability and the rule of law; and Our unyielding resolve to protect the integrity of our institutions and preserve national stability," the group said.

:With one voice, we stand prepared to work collaboratively and constructively with the Executive Branch in pursuit of a more prosperous, orderly and united Philippines,” they added. 

Further, the bloc fully endorsed the President's firm and absolute commitment to stopping corruption across all government branches.

“We affirm the Administration’s efforts to strengthen institutional safeguards that promote transparency, efficiency and accountability in the use of public funds; institutionalize digital governance, streamlined processes and open data systems to minimize bureaucratic discretion and opportunities for graft; enforce strict disciplinary action against erring officials and employees, consistent with the principles of due process and public trust; and promote ethical governance and a professionalized civil service that upholds merit, integrity and the highest standards of public duty,” it added.

The alliance also committed to the administration's broad, long-term agenda, which includes enhancing resilience, ensuring food security, improving education, maintaining peace and order, and addressing climate change.

Among those who signed the manifesto are House Speaker Faustino Dy III and presidential son Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos. 

President Marcos was recently tagged by former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co in alleged corruption in crafting the national budget. Co earlier released a series of videos wherein he alleged that Marcos orchestrated P100 billion in “fund insertions” in the proposed 2025 national budget.

In another video, Co alleged that he, his staff, and his security personnel personally delivered suitcases of cash to Marcos and his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. He also claimed the President received 25% of the P100 billion as kickbacks.

But both Marcos and Romualdez have already denied the accusations. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News