The Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino led by former President now Manila Mayor Joseph E. Estrada on Monday joined Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago.
Estrada and Mayor Duterte signed their alliance agreement at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
In a speech, Estrada, who is running for Manila mayor for the third and last time, said that the alliance of their political parties “recognizes our intention to cooperate and unite…for the benefit of all.”
“We value unity over partisanship…service over self-interest,” he said.
Estrada’s running mate and former Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing attended the event. Likewise, senatorial candidates endorsed by HnP, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque; former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Dong Mangudadatu; Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos; former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada; Sen. Sonny Angara; and former President Adviser on Political Affairs Francis Tolentino were present.
Bacoor City, Cavite Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla and actor Philip Salvador also came to represent former Sen. Bong Revilla and former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go while former broadcast journalist Jiggy Manicad sent a video message.
“Umiikot kami sa buong bansa para maghanap ng mga kaibigan…na tutulong kay President Duterte sa remaining three years niya as president,” Mayor Duterte said.
Before the event ended, Mayor Duterte administered the oath-taking of mostly barangay and local officials from HnP and PMP.
The Manila Police District estimated the crowd inside and outside of the venue at 6,000 during the event.
Meanwhile, at 1:30 p.m. Monday, the Peoples Reform Party, where the late Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago was affiliated, will also formally tie-up with HnP.
Earlier this year, the Nacionalista Party and Nationalist People’s Coalition- Nationalist Unity Party allied with Mayor Duterte’s regional group. (Ria Fernandez)