MANILA, Philippines — Even after the withdrawal of key members in the 2022 elections, the Cusi-led faction of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino- Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) claimed Wednesday it will remain a “dominant” party because of the “successes” of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Party president Alfonso Cusi, who is also energy secretary, made the claim after Duterte withdrew as a candidate for senator.
Earlier the same day, his most trusted aide and preferred successor, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, filed papers to withdraw as a candidate for president in next year’s polls. Go was the presidential candidate of Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan, a party allied with PDP-Laban.
"PDP Laban will remain a dominant party because of the success of President Rodrigo Duterte, who will be remembered as the most revered and well-loved leader of the masses," Cusi said.
He added that PDP Laban is proud of the "accomplishments of Duterte, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government has been criticized for its handling of the pandemic and the slow vaccine rollout. Over 2.8 million Filipinos have gotten sick and at least 50,000 people have died from COVID-19. Millions more are still reeling from the financial impacts of the health crisis.
The country is slowly trying to get back life to normal as COVID-19 cases continue to drop.
Cusi then asked his party-mates to "stand united in support" of Duterte’s last months in office.
"We assure the public that PDP Laban will continue to espouse the policies and program that made the Duterte Legacy possible," he said.
It remains unclear who will have the endorsement of PDP-Laban or Duterte. His daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is running for vice president, has formed an alliance with presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. — Gaea Katreena Cabico