Duterte assumes chairmanship of PDP-Laban

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor and presidentiable Rodrigo Duterte on Monday assumed the chairmanship of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on the eve of his proclamation rally in Tondo, Manila.

Duterte is the standard-bearer of the PDP-Laban for the May 9 polls.

“The appointment of Duterte as the party's new chairperson  will re-invigorate our efforts to heed the Filipino people's clamor for genuine reforms and thoroughgoing social transformation," Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, PDP-Laban president said in a statement.

"We expect Mayor Duterte to exercise bold leadership and wage war against crime, illegal drugs and corruption, work towards an inclusive economy through regional development, and achieve equality under the law," Pimentel added.

PDP-Laban is a coalition between the Lakas ng Bayan party founded by former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. in 1978, and the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) founded in 1982 by Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.

Former Senator Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr., PDP-Laban Chairman Emeritus, also welcomed the assumption of Duterte as PDP-Laban chairman.

The former senator said Duterte will help restore the rule of law which is a prerequisite for sustained economic growth and social development.

"With Mayor Duterte's assumption as PDP-Laban chairman, he will now lead the campaign for a shift to a federal form of government which I have long advocated to solve the problem of uneven development due to the concentration of powers in Manila and lopsided distribution of national resources," the elder Pimentel said.

Paola Alvarez, PDP-Laban spokesperson, said Duterte is ready and willing to lead the party towards lasting and meaningful solutions to crime, corruption and poverty in the country.