By James Konstantin Galvez, Reporter

The Nacionalista Party (NP) led by Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr. and the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) led by Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of Ilocos Norte officially joined forces on Friday at the historic Laurel House in Mandaluyong City (Metro Manila) to give further boost to their bailiwicks.

“These hard times demand painful decisions, a choice between friends and allies, among those who have borne the fight of the opposition throughout the years. But today, we have come at last to our decision after much consultation and debate within our political family,” Marcos, youngest son of late strongman President Ferdinand Marcos, said in his prepared speech.

“We choose for our president, the Honorable Manny Villar of the Nacionaista Party,” he added.
In his speech, Bongbong likened the coalition between NP and KBL as a marriage of a couple, saying that the people will remember the historical event as to why they have united.

“When couples are asked about their wedding, all they will remember is where and when it has taken place. But sometimes, they forget why. In this partnership, between the KBL and the NP, we will never forget why,” he said.

Bongbong, who is eyeing a senatorial seat in the 2010 elections, added that he shares NP’s core advocacy against poverty, noting that the poor must be empowered in all aspects as foremost priority.
“Sen. Villar is a humble man whose humility allows him an open mind, bringing simple solutions to complicated problems,” the Ilocos Norte congressman said.

According to him, their alliance with NP was anchored on their trust and confidence in the integrity and leadership of Villar as harnessed from his own perseverance against poverty.

After the signing of the coalition agreement, he gave Villar an orange-colored katukong or salakot, saying that just like any traditional wedding in the Ilocos Region, it will symbolize the union of the two groups.
The KBL secretary general, former Rep. Imee Marcos of Ilocos Norte, said that the 2010 polls should no longer involve those who passed away but should focus on the candidates themselves, according to their qualifications and fitness for public office.

She added that she will not be seeking any elective post in next year’s elections.
Villar said that he expects issues against the young Marcos to surface including those against his father and late former president. He added that he would rather look at the credentials and qualifications of Bongbong as a public servant.

The young Marcos has been in public service for 17 years. He was elected vice governor of Ilocos Norte when he was just 23 years old and was elected governor for three consecutive times since 1992.
Villar said that Bongbong was not new with the Nacionalista Party, noting that his father used to be an NP member before he founded the KBL in 1978.

The coalition with the Marcoses would give Villar the much needed vote of the “Solid North,” which Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats’ standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro said was already his.

“He has the Solid North? I have them all here with me,” Marcos said, referring to the number of local government officials from the province that witnessed the union of NP and KBL.