Amid the reported feud within the ruling party, President Duterte has appealed to the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to remain united, advance good governance, and prioritize the welfare of the people especially during the pandemic.
The President, as chairman of the PDP-Laban party, stressed the importance of party values and principles over "personal interests" in his taped message during the virtual PDP-Laban national meeting in Cebu Monday, May 31.
The party assembly tackled a resolution seeking to encourage the President to run for vice president in next year's elections.
"I call on all of my partymates to stand together and remain united not by personal interest but by our principles and values as we chart the future of our party and the rest of the nation," Duterte said.
The President also asked the PDP-Laban party members to stay true to the party's mission which is "to prioritize the welfare of our people."
He recognized that the party has revolutionized the country's political landscape by pursuing genuine reforms and good governance in both national and local levels.
"As we continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, may we continue to work together in pursuing our initiatives that will strengthen our gains in good governance especially those that will foster lasting peace and progress for our nation," he said.
The PDP-Laban party meeting, organized by vice chair Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, pushed through Monday despite a boycott call issued by Senator Manny Pacquiao, party president, who claimed only the president and chairman have the power to call for such assembly.
The Palace later released a statement confirming the President directed Cusi to convene and preside over the meeting.
The President meantime did not make any comment about a possible vice-presidential bid in his taped message. The Palace however earlier said this decision will depend on the "message from God."
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the President will make the announcement in due course if believes this will be the "God's will."
READ: Duterte's VP run depends on 'message from God,' Roque says
The President will end his six-year term next year and is not eligible to seek reelection under the Constitution. There is no prohibition though if he will seek another elected government post.
The President's daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio has been leading recent surveys on potential presidential contenders but the President has discouraged her from running for the top post. Duterte had previously said the presidency was no job for a woman due to their emotional differences with men.