Charles Teves
Netizens weren’t really surprised when “UniTeam alliance agreement” was formed—the “grand coalition” of Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Sara Duterte’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), the political party of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and former President and Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP).
The alliance’s main goal is to ensure that Marcos and Duterte get the top two positions in the country.
“The UniTeam Alliance, we pray, is just the beginning. We dream of a grand coalition of national and regional parties with local alliances that share our vision of a better future for this generation and the next,” said House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, the Lakas-CMD president.
“Only through unity can we hurdle the challenges that we face today as a nation. Healing and moving forward will make us all stronger. If we are to survive and thrive, as a people, there is no other way but work together,” he added.
Romualdez of Lakas-CMD, South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. of PFP, Davao Occidental Gov. Claude Bautista of HNP, and former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada signed the agreement.
Marcos, in a speech, said the coalition “would heal and bring peace to a country” that has suffered “murky politics.”
“We have come together on the basis of unity. And it is these unifying forces that I believe will bring the stability back first to the political arena, and secondly, to the country,” he said.
Duterte, meanwhile, said the alliance will surely “serve the Filipinos and the country.”
Netizens labeled the move as a sign of desperation.
Arroyo, Marcos, and Erap have all been plagued with corruption allegations.
UniTEAM. pic.twitter.com/6YJrnwhvIq
— Benedict Bernabe (@yogawithben) November 26, 2021
Ano ibig sabihin kapag nagsanibpwersa ang mga Magnanakaw , Mandarambong at Kriminal ?
— 𝐃𝐨𝐧-𝐃𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚 (@Don8don3) November 26, 2021
Some say the alliance is too scared of Vice President Leni Robredo winning the presidency.
They are THIS scared of a possible Robredo presidency huh? Good. https://t.co/bdNRPC8BJV
— Kristoffer Pasion (@indiohistorian) November 26, 2021
Leni vs. All the evil forces https://t.co/ZcIJJ2omes
— Jover Laurio (@PinoyAkoBlog) November 26, 2021
Say you're afraid of a Robredo presidency without saying you're afraid of a Robredo presidency https://t.co/R5vCdQpo54
— Bruja Mariko-dono (@BrujaDelDemonio) November 26, 2021
2 most valuable things your parents can leave you if they are public servants are: a legacy of integrity, an education to empower you to succeed & contribute to the country on your own. My father did. Sadly Marcos Jr cannot say the same. #LetLeniLead pic.twitter.com/JRuTi0gUFz
— Maoi Arroyo (@MaoiArroyo) November 26, 2021
Both Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte boast that their recent team up with the Arroyos and Erap is a fruit of unification. Unification for what? To clean up the mess they’ve done in this country? To prolong their power and defend their fathers from accountability?
— Jules Guiang (@julesguiang) November 26, 2021
https://twitter.com/lakwatsarah/status/1464023194084331524?s=20
President Rodrigo Duterte recently labeled Marcos as a “weak leader” who feeds on his father’s accomplishments.
He also put out a blind item that a presidential aspirant uses cocaine and comes from a “wealthy family.”
