Former President Rodrigo Duterte has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to uphold fairness in the upcoming May elections, emphasizing the need for a level playing field free from threats and violence.
Speaking at the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban’s (PDP-Laban) National Coordination Meeting on January 30, Duterte called on his successor to guarantee a just electoral process. The event, held at a hotel, gathered over 300 PDP officials, members, and allies to introduce their candidates and strategize for the polls.
The party’s senatorial lineup includes Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, lawyers Jayvee Hinlo and Jimmy Bondoc, and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. Duterte expressed confidence in their chances despite acknowledging financial challenges in running a campaign without major donors. He assured that any contributions received would be distributed among members.
Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, PDP-Laban’s executive vice president, framed the election as a referendum against the Marcos administration. He accused the current leadership of deceiving and oppressing the people, urging voters to support PDP candidates as a form of protest.
Senators Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and Robinhood Padilla were also present at the gathering, along with members of the local party-list Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL).
