In longtime Malapitan stronghold, Trillanes promises ‘Bagong Caloocan’

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A Social Weather Stations survey for April saw Antonio Trillanes IV at a disadvantage with a 14% voter preference rating against Along Malapitan’s 82%

MANILA, Philippines – Caloocan City mayoral candidate and former senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV vowed to establish a “Bagong Caloocan” if elected, as he wrapped up the final stretch of his campaign for the 2025 elections on Saturday, May 10.

“‘Yung pagbabago na hinahangad po natin para sa ating lungsod, nandirito na po, huwag na po nating palampasin. Pero ito po ay nasa kamay ninyo, nasa kamay ninyo ang landas at kapalaran ng ating mahal na Caloocan,” he said during his speech in the city’s 1st District on Saturday.

(The change that we want for our city is already here, let’s not pass it up. But it’s in your hands, the path and fate of our beloved Caloocan lies in your hands.)

Trillanes is facing off against incumbent mayor Dale “Along” Malapitan, who has held the post since 2022. Malapitan also served as 1st District representative from 2016 to 2022 — a post that his father, Oscar “Oca” Malapitan, returned to in 2022 after previously occupying it from 2004 to 2013. Oca himself is a former mayor.

Trillanes’ running mate is ex-councilor PJ Malonzo. Their team includes Malonzo’s father, former Caloocan City mayor Rey Malonzo, who is seeking the 1st District congressional post.

SUPPORTERS. Residents backing Caloocan City mayoral candidate Antonio Trillanes IV attend his miting de avance on May 10, 2025. Photo by Eirene Manatlao/Rappler

Trillanes’ campaign promises include free vaccination and checkups for infants, a P2,000 monthly allowance for scholars of the University of Caloocan City, scholarships for out-of-school youth, and easing taxes on businesses to aid both owners and job-seekers, among others.

“Konting tiis na lang dahil pag nand’on na ang Team Trillanes [sa city hall], sigurado akong [lahat kayo rito ay] magiging masaya, dahil [ang] buong Caloocan ay pagsisilbihan nang tama ng isang Sonny Trillanes at ng kanyang kasamahan,” PJ Malonzo said.

(Just a bit more patience because when Team Trillanes is already at city hall, I’m sure all of you here will be happy, since Sonny Trillanes and his allies will serve the entire Caloocan well.)

Team Trillanes’ activities included house-to-house campaigning, market visits, and small caucuses around the city’s three districts, in stark contrast to Malapitan’s celebrity-filled grand rallies.

A Social Weather Stations survey for April saw Trillanes at a disadvantage with a 14% voter preference rating against Malapitan’s 82%. – Rappler.com

Eirene Manatlao is a senior journalism student and the associate feature editor of The Catalyst at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She is an Aries Rufo Fellowship candidate from April-May 2025.