Koko Pimentel: 7 Metro Manila cities affected by PDP-Laban ‘rogues’

MANILA, Philippines — At least 28 areas, including seven cities in Metro Manila were affected by the so-called “rogue” candidates running under the banner of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III said yesterday.

This has resulted in two PDP-Laban candidates seeking the same elective posts in one area, particularly for governors, mayors and councilors, he said.

Pimentel identified the cities as Caloocan, Makati, Marikina, Navotas, Pasay, Pasig and Quezon in Metro Manila.

He said the provinces of Baguio, Isabela, Tarlac, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Albay, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Aklan, Capiz, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Zamboanga del Sur,  Lanao del Norte, Iligan City, Davao del Norte, South Cotabato, Saranggani and Lanao del Sur were also affected.

“I am encouraging local candidates in these areas to inform the local (Commission on Elections or Comelec) about this development,” Pimentel said in a press briefing.

Pimentel reiterated his warning that “rogue” PDP-Laban candidates will face charges for dragging the party name in their efforts to win elective posts even after the Comelec ruled that Pimentel’s group as the “legitimate and official” faction.

 “The Comelec ruled there’s only one PDP-Laban and that is PDP-Laban that you know na kilala nyong lahat at ang leadership si President Duterte as chair,” he said.

Pimentel said the only legitimate PDP-Laban candidates are those whose certificates of nomination and acceptance were signed “by either me or those authorized.”