DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte here remains mum on speculations that he would run for senator in the 2025 elections.
DAVAO City Mayor and Partido Demokratiko Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) Executive Vice President Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte thanks officials and members of the PDP-Laban for accepting him into the party. (Ivy Tejano)
Mayor Duterte was formally introduced as executive vice president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in their national assembly at the D’Leonor Inland Resort in Buhangin District here on Friday evening, September 20.
He thanked PDP-Laban officials and members for accepting him in the party but did not disclose if he would run in 2025.
“I am very grateful and honored (to be part of the PDP-Laban). I’m glad to accept the position,” Mayor Duterte said. He said that this is an excellent opportunity for him to join the party since the previous members had left which indicates a “filtering process” for the former administration party.
The local chief executive said those who remain in the party are the ones with true courage. He said if everyone genuinely desires real change, it requires the conviction of every individual.
“I am here because I want to join you. If you still believe in continuing the fight (for the country), I will stand with you. If we truly want to transform our country, at least I know that my companions here are willing to sacrifice everything for our nation,” Mayor Duterte said.
Mayor Duterte joined the PDP-Laban earlier this month, a move seen as a prelude to a Senate candidacy.
He took his oath before his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, PDP-Laban national chairman, in a private ceremony at Matina Enclaves on September 5. He was also sworn in as the party’s executive vice president by Sen. Robinhood Padilla.
The elder Duterte led the oath-taking of the new officials of the PDP during the assembly. The party also endorsed their initial senatorial bets for the 2025 elections – actor Philip Salvador and reelectionists Ronald dela Rosa and Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.
Former President Duterte is reportedly running for Davao City mayor; his eldest son, Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte, for reelection, and Vice President Sara Duterte for president in the 2028 polls.
The Vice President had earlier said that Mayor Duterte will run for president in the 2028 national and local elections. She said their mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman, advised her to return to Davao City and run for mayor.