DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo Duterte called on his successor, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to uphold fairness in the May elections.
DUTERTE (FB)
“In this upcoming election, I hope that the President (Marcos), if he hears me, will give us a fair shake, ensuring a level playing field for all, and will not allow threats and violence,” Duterte said.
The former Chief Executive appealed during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban’s first National Coordination Meeting in a hotel here on Thursday night, Jan. 30.
More than 300 officials, members, and allies of the PDP-Laban chaired by Duterte gathered to introduce their candidates, strategize, and formally address key challenges in the elections.
The PDP senatorial candidates are Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, lawyers Jayvee Hinlo and Jimmy Bondoc, and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
Duterte and Marcos have backed their respective Senate slates, with Marcos striving to secure 12 available seats. Duterte expressed confidence that his candidates would win.
The former Chief Executive admitted that organizing activities within the party-list is challenging, especially since funding is necessary for such initiatives, but assured they will make it through.
Duterte said the political party does not have significant contributors. He said that any donations the PDP receives from business owners will be shared among members.
PDP Executive Vice President and Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte asserted that casting a vote for PDP-Laban candidates would be a stance against the Marcos administration.
“Our vote for PDP candidates is a vote against the present administration that has done nothing but fool and oppress this country and its people,” Mayor Duterte said.
Mayor Duterte said the challenge would be complex but encouraged candidates to demonstrate how much they could contribute to the country, even with limited resources during the campaign.
“At this critical moment, the campaign is about to begin, so my fellow members in the PDP need to participate during the campaign,” the mayor said as he expressed full support for their candidates.
Senators Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and Robinhood Padilla attended the event. The PDP-Laban was joined by the local party-list Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL).