DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sebastian Duterte has joined the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban party, a move seen as a prelude to a Senate candidacy in next year’s midterm elections.

Sebastian took his oath before his father, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, PDP chairman, in a private ceremony at Matina Enclaves here on Thursday, September 5.
The city chief executive shared photographs of the oathtaking ceremony in his social media account.
Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Robinhood Padilla attended the event. “Welcome to the PDP, Mayor Sebastian Duterte,” Dela Rosa said in his Facebook account.
Mayor Duterte was also sworn in as the executive vice president of the PDP by Padilla, party president.
Photos shared by Dela Rosa showed that Mayor Duterte was joined by PDP national officials, the Executive Director and Membership Committee, and the Overseas Filipino Concerns Committee in his induction.
Former President Duterte witnessed the party’s membership dwindle to just a few individuals.
Among those who remained with the party were longtime assistant, Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go, who is seeking reelection with Dela Rosa next year.
Reports said Mayor Duterte is expected to run for senator in the May 2025 polls.
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 elections.
Vice President Duterte said that Mayor Duterte will run for president in the 2028 national and local elections.
The Vice President said their mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman, advised her to return to Davao City and run for mayor.