PDP-Laban sets meeting with Duterte

MANILA, Philippines - Top officers of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) have set a series of meetings with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to present the party resolution declaring him as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2016 election.

A source told The STAR that the officers want to personally hear from the mayor his thoughts on the party’s action plan before the deadline for the submission of the Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) lapses.

Last week, PDP-Laban decided to field Duterte after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) filed a disqualification complaint against Martin Diño who, representing the party, filed a certificate of candidacy for president.

The source said the first meeting was initially set on Thursday but was postponed due to Duterte’s more urgent appointment on the same date.

“Mayor Duterte was one of the original party members of PDP-Laban. In fact, he is the one leading the political battle cry of the party (on) federalism,” the source added. 

But even if Duterte is among the pillars of PDP-Laban, the source said the mayor does not want to take centerstage and simply wants to remain an ordinary party member. Duterte has always given assurance that he will consider the party’s decision, particularly if the issue concerns federalism.

Diño, who withdrew his candidacy after he was made to explain why he should not be considered among the nuisance candidates, endorsed Duterte as his replacement. He said the candidacy of other party members hinges on a strong leader that will lead them to political victory in the 2016 election.

The source said PDP-Laban is determined to participate actively in the 2016 elections by fielding candidates from president to councilors across the country.