The fight between rival factions continues.
Malacañang said President Duterte believes that he is still the chairman of the ruling party PDP-Laban despite being "ousted" by his rival camp in the said organization.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after the faction led by Senator Emmanuel 'Manny' Pacquiao ousted Duterte as party chair last week and elected Senator Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel III as his replacement.
In a statement, Roque said the President had no reaction to the development because to him, he is still the chairman of the party.
"Wala po, kasi sa mata po ni Presidente nanatili po siyang chairman (He had nothing to say about it because in the eyes of the President, he continues to be the chairman)," he said.
Roque, however, said President Duterte was aware that the Supreme Court had to intervene to settle the matter.
"Kinakailangan po talaga na madesisyunan ang isyung ito ng Korte Suprema at alam po 'yan ni Presidente (It is necessary for the Supreme Court to decide on this issue and the President knows that)," he said.
Pacquiao’s camp has repeatedly rejected the legitimacy of the election of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi as PDP-Laban president along with his allies who belong to the Cusi faction.
Pimentel said their camp is certain that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will recognize and rule in favor of their group.
The Cusi faction of PDP Laban has endorsed President Duterte as their candidate for vice president in the 2022 elections. Meanwhile, Pacquiao has been reported to be gearing up to run for president. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)