President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attends the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Newly Promoted Generals and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Ceremonial Hall inside Malacañan Palace on December 4, 2024. Santi San Juan, PPA pool

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reminded municipal mayors to prioritize public service ahead of heated political exchanges during the local campaign period for the 2025 midterm elections.

While senators and party-lists have begun campaigning earlier this week, those vying for local positions — such as governors and mayors — will start their campaigns in the latter part of March.

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“Sa init ng kampanya, sa init ng halalan, huwag natin kakalimutan na tayo ay nandito, tayo ay pumasok sa serbisyo na publiko upang tulungan ang taumbayan,” the President said during the League of Municipalities of the Philippines’ (LMP) general assembly.

“Kahit na mainit na nga ang laban, maanghang na ang mga binibitawan na salita, sa puno't dulo nito ginagawa natin lahat ito para makatulong sa ating minamahal na kapwa Pilipino,” he said.

Marcos Jr. urged local chief executives to end frictions and allow all parties to participate in nation-building after the elections. 

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“Pagkatapos ng halalan, alam ko kung minsan napakahirap na magpalamig ng ulo ulit,” he said.

“Ngunit kailangan nating gawin yun dahil kailangan natin ang lahat na mga gustong tumulong na magkapit bisig upang magtulungan,” he said.

Earlier this week, Marcos Jr. led the campaign launch of his “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” senatorial slate in Ilocos Norte.

In his speech, he said none of the administration’s candidates in the 2025 midterm elections were accused of human rights violations under the previous Duterte administration's drug war nor had they been accused of corruption and negligence during the pandemic. 

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