CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Save the Philippines Coalition formally strengthened its collaboration with local organizations this afternoon through a covenant signing with Barug Lumad Talisay, signaling a unified push for good governance and political accountability.
The covenant-signing event, held in Talisay City, highlighted the Coalition’s ongoing effort to promote transparency, ethical leadership, and meaningful change not only in Talisay but across the Philippines.
Former Talisay Vice Mayor Allan Bucao, co-chairperson of the Coalition, expressed gratitude to attendees for their support, noting the importance of collective action in addressing the country’s challenges. “This is not my personal decision. Any move we make is a group decision. We consult and present matters to our members,” Bucao said.
He emphasized that, while the Coalition previously supported Vice President Sara Duterte, their actions are guided by principles rather than political alliances.
Bucao also clarified that he has no plans to run for Talisay City mayor in 2028, saying, “Thirty-five years in public service is more than enough. For now, we are focused on discussing how we can help bring change to a country that has been greatly challenged.”
The Save the Philippines Coalition, launched on November 23, 2025, brings together parallel groups united by the belief that the current administration has lost its moral mandate.
In line with this principle, the Coalition insists that any leadership transition follow constitutional protocols, recognizing Vice President Sara Duterte as the rightful successor.
“If we are calling for President Marcos to step down, we must ensure that the transition follows the Constitution. We will not accept any attempt to bypass the rightful succession,” said Atty. Irene Caballes, coalition organizer and convenor of Hakbang ng Maisug-Cebu.
The covenant signing serves as a formal pledge of commitment to shared principles. The document reads in part:
“We stand for truth, even when it is inconvenient. We reject corruption in all its forms whether big or small, hidden or open. We demand transparency from those who lead and integrity from those who serve. We defend the weak, uplift the poor, and honor the dignity of every Filipino. Together, as one people, we declare: We rise. We stand. We commit. Enough is enough. Stop this madness. God save the Philippines.”
Aside from Bucao, the ceremony was attended by key figures, including former executive secretary, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, former Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, former DILG secretary and former Cebu vice governatorial candidate Lito Ruiz, and former Consolacion mayoralty aspirant Bingol Villo, among other local leaders.
Organizers said the signing strengthens ties between national and local advocates for transparency and good governance, uniting them under a shared mission of accountability and ethical leadership. “The covenant signing is not just symbolic. It strengthens the coalition at both the national and local levels and signals a united front for meaningful political change,” Caballes said.
As the event concluded, Bucao reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to its core advocacy: standing against corruption, promoting transparency, and working collectively to build a better future for the Philippines.
Sen. Bam Aquino: No plans for VP post
Amid renewed political speculation following Vice President Sara Duterte’s announcement that she intends to run for president in 2028, Senator Bam Aquino clarified he has no plans to seek the vice presidency and urged leaders to focus instead on what he described as “crisis-level” national problems.
Aquino, in a brief Facebook post on Feb. 19, denied reports suggesting that a Duterte-Aquino tandem was in the works, saying he was prompted to speak out after a news story hinted at such a possibility.
Various political pairings have been floated since Duterte publicly declared her intention to run for the country’s highest post in 2028. Aquino, however, stressed that discussions about future elections are premature as Filipinos continue to face urgent challenges.
Aquino, who was elected to the Senate in 2025 and is serving a six-year term, said he remains focused on his current legislative responsibilities.
Speculation about a possible tandem gained traction after Aquino said in a television interview that the trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity should “ideally” take place in Philippine courts.
Aquino later clarified that while he respects the proceedings of the International Criminal Court, this should not be taken as a political alignment. “Nakakahiyang mamulitika habang napakaraming pinagdadaanan ng taumbayan,” Aquino said, adding that the country continues to grapple with problems in education, employment, rising prices, and corruption.
“Iyong bansa natin, pagdating sa edukasyon, pagdating sa ekonomiya, presyo ng bilihin, sa pagtugis sa korapsyon, napakaraming hinaharap. Iyan dapat iyong inuuna natin, hindi dapat ang pamumulitika,” he said.
Aquino noted that while the 2028 elections will come in due time, leaders must prioritize issues that have an immediate impact on people’s lives rather than engage in early political maneuvering.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Aquino said he is concentrating on advancing priority measures aimed at helping Filipinos, particularly the youth and students.
Several of his proposed bills have been included in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority agenda.
These include the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act; the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, also known as the Blockchain the Budget bill; the Party-list System Reform Act; amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act; the proposed abolition of the travel tax; and amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Act.
The Senate recently approved the CAP Act (Senate Bill No. 1482) and the CADENA Act (Senate Bill No. 1506) on third and final reading with unanimous votes.
Aquino said the CAP Act is intended to help address the country’s estimated 166,000-classroom shortage by allowing local government units and qualified non-government organizations to build classrooms within their jurisdictions, subject to Department of Education standards.
| Written by Kristin De Dios, Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/RAE
