Duterte’s local party joins Sara’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte’s local political party, Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, finally joined last night the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) regional political group led by his daughter Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

More than 6,500 members of the Davao City-based Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod took their oath last night before Duterte-Carpio in ceremonies at the SMX Convention Center here at the SM Lanang Premier.

The President was reportedly supposed to lead the oath-taking of his Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod in coalescing with Duterte-Carpio’s HNP last night but he was late at the event for more than two hours.

While waiting for the President, an entertainment number was held as his sons Paolo and Sebastian separately spoke during the event.

Since the President was already late, the mayor in the end had to administer the oath of the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod members present, who were predominantly barangay captains and council members of Davao City’s 182 barangays.

When the President arrived, he only had to deliver his speech, signifying his support to the HNP while remaining to be a member of the Partidong Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), where he is the chair.

Although he did not announce his joining the HNP, the President expressed support to the regional party that forged a coalition with major political parties.

“I can support you morally, politically, if people would still listen to me,” he told thousands of members of HNP during the mass oath taking.

Duterte also supported the leadership of his daughter in the new party that is seen to dominate the midterm elections next year.

“I appreciate what Inday is doing to galvanize the Filipino people,” he stressed.

The President said he is staying with his PDP-Laban party.

“I have leftist tendencies, that’s my leanings, that’s why I am with PDP.

I don’t like to change parties. I will remain where I am,” he explained.

“Philippines is ruled by money. PDP never grew because of money. It’s a principled party,” Duterte, who vowed clean and honest elections by supporting the Commission on Eletion, pointed out.

PDP-Laban president and Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III has reportedly said that the President is free to join the HNP as there will be no conflict.

In the same convention, the HNP endorsed nine senatorial bets from different political parties.

They are Senators Cynthia Villar, JV Ejercito and Sonny Angara; Reps. Pia Cayetano of Taguig and Zajid Mangudadatu of Maguindanao; Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go and presidential spokesman Harry Roque, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos and Bureau of Corrections chief Ronald dela Rosa.