MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has called for “continued support” from his partymates in the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to address pressing issues in the country.
Duterte, chairman of the PDP-Laban, made his appeal during the first anniversary of PDP-Laban Cares at the GSIS Building in Pasay City on Wednesday night.
“As we (undergo) reforms in this administration, our unity is now more important than ever. I therefore ask the continued support of PDP-Laban and its partners in creating practical solutions to address the root cause of our nation’s problems,” he said.
The President challenged his fellow PDP-Laban members to remain committed to the party’s vision of liberating the Filipino people from the clutches of poverty, conflict, crime, illegal drugs, and corruption “through the promotion of justice, equality, and good governance.”
“Together, let us become instruments of real change in society by advancing the PDP-Laban’s core agenda of federalism, preferential policy for the poor and the marginalized, religious tolerance, and equal opportunity for all,” Duterte said.
“Hand in hand, let us uphold the concept of bayanihan as we improve the lives of our countrymen, strengthen the foundations of a more progressive tomorrow, and realize that our collective aspirations for the Filipino people will succeed. And with your help, I see a very bright future ahead for the Philippines,” he added.
The President, on the other hand, commended the PDL-Laban Cares and its partners for helping the Filipino people in times of disaster, calamity, and conflict.
“It has been two years since I assumed office and I would not have had this opportunity of speaking before you today if not for your unfailing support and belief in my leadership,” he said.
For the past year, the PDP-Laban Cares and its partners have provided relief and assistance to more than 20,000 Filipino families that suffered from armed conflicts, fires, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes.
Former Senate president and PDP-Laban president Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and former House of Representatives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez attended the event. (Jelly Musico/PNA)
