Unido Party Endorses Governor Reynaldo Tamayo for 2028 Presidential Run

The Union of Nationalist Democratic Filipino Organization (UNIDO), one of the country’s oldest democratic parties and a historic political force during the final years of the Marcos regime, has formally endorsed South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. for the presidency in the 2028 national elections.

Governor Tamayo, who also serves as President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), is the current National President of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP)—the political party of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Widely recognized for his brand of transformational leadership, he has championed transparent governance, fiscal discipline, grassroots empowerment, and people-centered programs. Under his stewardship, South Cotabato has become a model province with pioneering education reforms, stronger social services, and inclusive economic growth that uplift both urban and rural communities.

“Governor Tamayo embodies the vision of a new and united Philippines,” UNIDO said in a statement. “His integrity, proven leadership in local governance, and ability to unite diverse sectors make him the ideal leader to guide the nation toward prosperity, equity, and stability.”

UNIDO’s endorsement carries historic weight. Originally formed in January 1980 as the United Democratic Opposition, the coalition was later renamed the United Nationalist Democratic Organization in 1982. It became the main political alliance of the opposition during the turbulent years of President Ferdinand Marcos, uniting twelve political parties under the leadership of Senator Salvador Laurel after the assassination of Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. Its legacy is deeply tied to the struggle for democracy and nation-building.

With growing calls for him to run in 2028, Governor Tamayo has remained grounded in his work for South Cotabato.
“Basta kami dito sa South Cotabato, tuloy lang sa Tama at Maayos na Serbisyo,” he said, stressing that his priority remains good governance in the province.

At the same time, he has consistently pushed for deeper reforms on the national stage, particularly decentralization of powers and a shift to a federal form of government—principles that resonate with both his leadership of PFP and UNIDO’s long-standing advocacy for stronger grassroots democracy.

UNIDO, in its endorsement, highlighted Tamayo’s leadership qualities:

• Inclusive – ensuring that all Filipinos, regardless of region or social class, have a voice.

• Decisive – prepared to tackle urgent national issues such as food security, education, and sovereignty.

• Principled – carrying a clean record and a strong commitment to moral governance.

“Build your province, build your nation. Governor Tamayo has done both—and now he is ready to lead the entire country,” UNIDO declared.

With this historic endorsement, and his leadership of PFP—the ruling party—Governor Tamayo is now being positioned as one of the strongest potential candidates for the 2028 presidential elections, carrying the backing of both a historic democratic movement and the current administration’s political party.