“Political Strategist” is how Atty. Gilberto F. Lauengco defines his role as the silent architect behind the scenes of political campaigns in the Philippines.
As the country prepares for the 2025 General Elections and with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) setting the candidacy filing period for October 1-8, 2024, Lauengco offers a rare glimpse into the strategic minds orchestrating these pivotal campaigns.
Lauengco has a rich background: Special Assistant at the National Food Authority, a member of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office and stints in local governance. He brings a thorough approach to political strategy, which he believes involves understanding complex societal and political dynamics.
“Strategy is more overarching and involves a lot of factors,” Lauengco mentioned in an interview.
He also pointed out that earning the title of political strategist requires a plethora of involvement and know-how, as well as “a lot of knowledge, of experience to do this whole thing, to differentiate you from political operators.”
Lauengco focuses his attention on crafting strategies that respond to the diverse needs of political campaigns. He views each as a unique battlefield, requiring detailed planning and ethical considerations.
“If you have two theaters of operation, you have your air, which is social media, your ground, which is direct to people, and (then) you have hybrid wherein your efforts on the ground are magnified by your air,” he said, while explaining the complexity of modern campaigns.
Lauengco is also a member of a political consultant association aimed at elevating the professionalism and ethical standards in the industry. Among others, the group is working to veery away from the term “political operator,” a negative connotation their group is usually related.
Concerned about the potential misuse of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and deepfakes in campaigns, Lauengco advocates for a cautious approach.
“There’s always this aspect of Black Hat campaign which we try to win away from,” he explained, stressing the importance of integrity in political messaging and tactics.
Outside of his campaign work, Lauengco writes for the Philippine News Agency where he tackles topics at the intersection of politics and technology. His articles aim to inform and engage the public on critical issues affecting the political landscape.
“Politics is similar to war. No plan will survive contact with the enemy and only years of practice will prepare you for these sudden twists and turns,” he said.
In the 2025 General Elections, over 5 million new voters are set to join the polls, bringing fresh significance to the elections. Voters will decide on 18,271 positions, including 12 senators and 63 party-list representatives at the national level. Additionally, seats for the House of Representatives, governorships, provincial boards, mayors, councilors, and 32 members of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliament, along with 40 BARMM party-list representatives, are also up for grabs.
As election campaigns become more complex, his blend of traditional strategy and modern technological perception is invaluable. His roles as a strategist and writer allow him to influence both immediate electoral strategies and a broader public understanding of political issues.
With a commitment to clean, effective campaign strategies that underline his belief that political consultancy is not just about winning elections, but also about fostering a healthier democratic process.
