MANILA, Philippines – In a show of solidarity, multisectoral groups including youth, transport workers, urban poor, farmers, fisherfolk, frontliners, and members of the informal sector gathered at the FPJ statue in Manila to celebrate the official filing of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list for the upcoming 2025 elections.
The event marked a significant moment for those dedicated to continuing the legacy of Fernando Poe Jr., as his supporters rallied behind the party’s mission.
“Alam namin bubuhayin ng FPJ Panday Bayanihan ang adhikain ni ‘Da King FPJ, na minahal ng milyong Manileño. Push, FPJ Panday Party-list,” said Krissy Abesamis, the Youth Leader, Manila Chapter Bayanihan.
(We know that FPJ Panday Bayanihan will revive the aspirations of ‘Da King FPJ, who was loved by millions of Manileños. Push, FPJ Panday Party-list.)
Ric Serrano, secretary general of POLPhil, also stated “We, the Political Officers League of the Philippines, together with our nationwide networks are fully supporting FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list. May you relive the aspirations and advocacies of The King, FPJ, in the hearts and minds of the Filipino people.”
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A notable highlight of the gathering was the presence of FPJ’s long-time supporters, many of whom were part of the now-defunct FPJPM organization that backed his 2004 presidential campaign. These loyalists have now united under FPJ Panday Bayanihan, pledging their unwavering support for the partylist led by Brian Poe Llamanzares.
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Raymond “Manolo” Mercedes, a key figure in the original 2004 FPJ campaign, has successfully brought together these veteran supporters to bolster the new movement.
READ: FPJ Panday Bayanihan joins 2025 party-list race
“May bagong umaga parating pasa sa pag-papanday ng bagong umaga,” said Mercedes, underscoring the loyalty and passion of the group.
(A new morning is coming as we forge a new dawn.)
For Mercedes and his fellow supporters, FPJ Panday Bayanihan represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream to see a platform that embodies FPJ’s principles of service and justice.
The event demonstrated the broad support FPJ Panday Bayanihan continues to garner from various sectors, strengthening its foundation as the party-list prepares for the 2025 elections. As the legacy of FPJ lives on, the party-list is poised to carry forward his vision of a more just and inclusive society for all Filipinos.