Or.Min Gov. Bonz Dolor shows support for FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist at rally in Lemery Batangas

Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor of Oriental Mindoro reaffirmed his strong support for the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist during a rally held in Lemery, Batangas on February 22, 2025. In an interview with the media, Governor Dolor emphasized that the FPJ Partylist is more than just a tribute to the late King of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ). It is an organization with a long-standing commitment to helping the underprivileged, serving the Filipino people for more than two decades.

Governor Dolor shared that the Poe family, together with their loyal allies, decided to convert FPJ’s legacy into a partylist in order to further contribute to the mainstream government’s efforts in serving the nation. The FPJ Partylist’s core principles are encapsulated in its acronym, which stands for Food, Progress, and Justice.

Food, Progress, and Justice: A Vision for the Filipino People

“FPJ stands for three simple yet profound letters,” said Dolor. “It symbolizes food for all—not just physical sustenance, but also food for the mind.” He continued, explaining that the FPJ Partylist’s advocacy aims to empower the Filipino people by fostering education and social awareness. Dolor highlighted that despite the intelligence and potential of Filipinos, the nation often faces struggles that seem to hold it back. The FPJ Partylist aspires to help uplift the country through education, social justice, and progress for all.

Dolor further elaborated on FPJ’s legacy of advocating for justice and equality, stating, “FPJ was a peace-loving and generous person. He dreamed not only of progress for a select few but for the entire nation. And most importantly, he believed in justice for everyone, regardless of their social standing.” Governor Dolor drew parallels between FPJ’s roles in his films, where he often portrayed a defender of the oppressed, fighting for truth and justice.

Governor Dolor’s Longstanding Support for FPJ

Governor Dolor has been a staunch supporter of FPJ since the late actor’s presidential bid in 2004. Dolor served as the provincial chairperson of FPJ’s campaign when he ran for president. This long-standing relationship with the Poe family has remained a significant part of Dolor’s political career.

In the upcoming 2025 elections, Dolor’s wife, Hiyas Dolor, has been nominated as the third nominee of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist. Joining her are Mark Patron of San Jose, Batangas, as the second nominee, Senator Grace Poe as the second nominee, and Brian Poe Lamanzares, the son of Grace Poe, as the first nominee.

Challenges Ahead for the FPJ Partylist

Governor Dolor admitted that the road to securing a seat for Hiyas Dolor as the third nominee is challenging. The FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist needs to become one of the top-performing partylist groups across the country to secure three seats in the 20th Congress. This requires garnering a significant percentage of votes from various regions.

However, Governor Dolor emphasized that his family is prepared for any outcome. “Whether we win or lose, what matters most is that we are able to make the people of Oriental Mindoro and the rest of the Philippines feel that we are united in advancing the advocacy that FPJ stood for,” Dolor said. “We want to contribute to strengthening the foundation of Filipino society.”

As the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist continues its campaign, the Dolor family and their supporters remain steadfast in their mission to honor FPJ’s legacy while working towards a better future for all Filipinos.