The Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino -Laban (PDP-Laban) is not forming an alliance with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), at least not yet.

This was disclosed by the party Secretary-General Melvin Matibag, who is part of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi’s wing in the PDP-Laban, on Tuesday, saying the ruling political party is still in the stage of finalizing its political alliances.

“We’re not seeking any alliance with HNP. Wala po as of now,” Matibag said in a virtual press briefing.

But Matibag acknowledged that the party is talking with other major political parties which include the Nacionalista Party, Partido Federal and the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP).

He said the alliances are likely to be formed with the parties of candidates that would be considered part of the PDP-Laban’s senatorial line-up.

“There are candidates who will run under the administration ticket so I’m sure there would be talks about alliances,” he said.

According to Matibag, they party will announce the final list of their senatorial slate on September 8.

“We are looking at the capacity to win...ang tinitingnan natin dito ay winnability and also the track record and, of course, the relationship to the administration,” he said.

The camp of Senator Manny Pacquiao repeatedly claimed that Cusi’s faction is keen on supporting Sara Duterte’s bid for the presidency.

Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, son of the founder of PDP-Laban, who sides with Pacquiao, earlier challenged Cusi’s group to reveal their “hidden” presidential bet for the 2022 elections.

Cusi’s faction earlier nominated Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and President Duterte as the PDP-Laban’s president and vice-presidential candidate in next year’s polls.