The Nacionalista Party (NP) headed by Sen. Manny Villar tightened its influence in Luzon as at least 200 grassroots leaders of Batangas formally joined the political party in a jampacked ceremony held in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

The oathtakers were led by former Gov. Armando Sanchez, 18 incumbent and aspiring mayors, 18 sitting and aspiring vice-mayors, and 140 incumbent and aspiring councilors who were mostly from Kampi.

“We welcome our fearless Batangueños to the Nacionalista Party, which is undeniably now the most stable, organized, and committed to the advocacy of fighting poverty suffered by most of our people,” Villar said.

Villar’s leadership is likewise exemplified in the way NP currently maintains its stability and strong organization, strategically widening its membership base.

The mayors underscored that they represented the genuine grassroots support of Batangueños, backing the leadership of Villar based on his sterling track record and achievements unmatched by other presidentiables.

The defection in Batangas came a day after the oppositionist Kilusang Bagong Lipunan led by Ilocos Norte (2nd district) Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. coalesced with NP, strengthening the party base in Northern Luzon.

Accompanying Villar in Batangas were Marcos, Rep. Justin “Timmy” Chipeco, former Rep. Gilbert Remulla, and Atty. Adel Tamano.

Sanchez was a two-term mayor of Sto. Tomas, Batangas, and one-term Batangas governor, when he also served as treasurer of the League of Provinces of the Philippines.