By Eric Borromeo
Under the esteemed legacy of public service upheld by the Bagatsing and Ocampo families, the candidates of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) in Manila officially filed their Certificates of Candidacy (COC) at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office in SM Manila on Tuesday. Leading the PFP ticket were mayoral candidate Ramon ‘Raymund’ San Diego Bagatsing III and his running mate for vice mayor, Pablo Dario ‘Chikee’ Gorosin Ocampo.
Partido Federal ng Pilipinas is the party of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., which champions genuine change and the vision of a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’.
Despite the complexities of modern governance, the Bagatsing and Ocampo families remain resolute in their commitment to integrity, transparency, and honest public service. The Bagatsing family, renowned for their clean and corruption-free track record, traces its legacy back to the long-serving former Manila Mayor, Ramon D. Bagatsing Sr., who held office for an unprecedented 18 years.
Similarly, the Ocampo family is distinguished by its contributions to the country’s political landscape. Congressman Pablo Villaroman Ocampo, the father of Chikee, and Congresswoman Sandy Ocampo, who represented Manila’s 6th District for six terms, have long been key figures in the city’s governance. Their enduring commitment to public service continues through this generation of leaders.
The Bagatsing-Ocampo platforms, among other priorities, will emphasize accessible health services for all Manila residents. “Bubusugin po namin ang mga ospital ng mga gamot, mga makabagong kagamitan, at pupunuin po namin ng mga doktor, mga espesyalista, at mga nurses na sa kasalukuyan ay kulang,” Ocampo stated.
Additionally, they proposed an extra monthly allowance for senior citizens, with Ocampo asserting, “Dalawang libo ang dapat ibigay tuwing may ayuda sa ating mga senior.”
Furthermore, they are committed to recovering city properties that were sold under questionable circumstances by previous administrations and plan to file charges against those involved in these irregular transactions. “Never po kaming magbebenta ng mga lupa, ng mga pag-aari ng Lungsod,” Ocampo vowed.
As the PFP’s standard-bearers in Manila, Bagatsing and Ocampo urged Manileños to unite behind their platform of clean, honest, and humane governance. After filing their candidacies, Bagatsing seized the opportunity during a press junket to outline his vision for the city’s future. In his speech, he reaffirmed their commitment to implementing projects designed to foster prosperity and restore the city’s honor. He stressed the critical importance of giving every Manileño—every family and worker—a voice in shaping a brighter future for Manila.
In a heartfelt appeal to the public, Bagatsing expressed their genuine love and care for the Manileños, stating, “Ang pagmamahal ninyo ay aming inaasam. Damahin ninyo ang pagmamahal namin sa inyo. Dahil sa pagmamahalan, doon mabubuo ang tiwala.”
Bagatsing concluded by emphasizing the need for real change, asserting that this is not just their fight but the collective struggle of every Manileño for a New Manila and a ‘Bagong Pilipinas.’ He reiterated their mission to restore Manila’s dignity as a center of opportunity and progress—a city that embodies love for the nation and disciplined leadership. Ocampo echoed these sentiments, affirming their commitment to serve with compassion, dedication, faith in God, and respect for others.
With strong backing from PFP National President Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo and the party’s leadership, the Bagatsing-Ocampo tandem is ready to usher in a new era of leadership for Manila. Their leadership represents not only a continuation of their families’ distinguished political traditions but also a commitment to fresh, innovative programs designed to create equal opportunities for all, particularly the marginalized sectors of Manila.
The Bagatsing-Ocampo slate also includes councilor candidates from various districts, such as Aldwin Hamilton Tan, Eduardo V. Quintos XVI, Marilou M. Ocsan, Paulino Martin N. Ejercito Jr., Gloria V. Enriquez, Gladina A. Villar, and Romualdo Billanes.
“We will make it happen. We will do it. Slowly but surely, we will make it happen!” Bagatsing declared with conviction. (PAN)
