DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo Duterte bared on Monday, August 12, that the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) would only support candidates in the 2025 midterm elections whose primary objective is the welfare of the Filipino people.

The former Chief Executive, PDP-Laban chairman, declared the party’s preference in a pre-recorded “Basta Dabawenyo” podcast of Davao City Mayor (CM) Baste Duterte posted on his YouTube channel.

Former President Duterte said they would have to develop a slate of candidates for the 2025 elections.

“It could be an inherent duty of a political party to come up with something slate. We will support the remaining members of the party. Moreover, we will set aside a reservation just in case new candidates emerge who wish to run (in the midterm elections),” Duterte said.

With the PDP-Laban’s current status, Duterte said he could remove those who are not closely aligned with him, those who are feigned, those who are not his friends, and whose presence he does not prefer.

Duterte revealed his preference after Sen. Francis Tolentino resigned from the party due to differing views on various issues, notably the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

According to the senator, he resigned from the party because his beliefs contradict what the PDP is fighting for, especially on the WPS issue.

Duterte said he did not expect Tolentino to resign from the PDP-Laban although the senator had told him that he is leaving the party. He added that he commended Tolentino for being honest with him, as they were able to discuss the matter.

“If you ask me now whether I will support him or not (in the upcoming election) since he left us, I will also part ways with him. I go out to campaign. I don’t think that it would look nice to the PDP you are leaving us, implying you don’t trust us and expect our support,” Duterte said.

Duterte backs 'Chavit'

The former Chief Executive expressed support for former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson if he will run for senator next year.

Duterte said Singson is a seasoned politician aside from being his friend.

“In everyday life, his long experience in politics means he understands the Filipino problems that must be addressed (by the government). Graduating cum laude or summa cum laude does not guarantee an understanding of the real issues facing the community,” Duterte said.

Duterte said it would be fine if everyone else will leave the PDP. He added that he would support senatorial candidates who can contribute to the country and prioritize the Filipino people in their agenda.

“If everyone else leaves, that is fine with me. It would be better for me if all the others ran on the other side. I will consider it if anyone wants to come to me for help. It is about sincerity – not just to me, but to the Filipino people,” he said.

Duterte clarified that he does not require financial and friendship from the senatorial candidates.

He said he would support candidates who are “for Filipino people,” whether destitute or wealthy, emphasizing he dislikes those who claim to support the poor but fail to deliver their duties.

He said he would not be disturbed whether other members of the PDP party would join the other party. He added that the party would remain, and if it loses, he will face the consequences and handle the situation independently.

Duterte encouraged Filipinos to pay attention to other political parties. He cautioned everyone, including the members of their political party, not to engage in a blame game later should their choices go South.