The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) faction of Manny Pacquiao and Koko Pimentel did not welcome the result of the national convention presided by President Rodrigo Duterte in Pampanga on Wednesday (Sept. 8).
The faction said they do not recognize the proclamation that includes the nomination of President Duterte to join the vice presidential race in the upcoming elections.
PDP-Laban Exec. Dir. Ron Munsayac said Duterte does not embody the original values of the party, and even considered the latest convention as “sarswela.”
The Pimentel-Pacquiao wing believes that Duterte and Bong Go’s tandem is just a smokescreen, saying that the real candidate is also from Davao.
Munsayac added that it is impossible for the administration to not have a final lineup yet, following Sara Duterte’s statement that she will not run for a national position.
He said the faction of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi should just respect Go’s decision not to run for presidency, since it is unlikely for a standard bearer not to attend a national convention.
“Ito rin ang rason kung bakit nag-desisyon akong hindi mag-attend ng ating pagpupulong dahil ayokong magkaroon pa ng maling kahulugan ang pagpunta ko roon,” Go said.
“I have already respectfully declined your endorsement through a letter I sent last week. I am hoping that the party will continue to respect my decision,” he added.
Meanwhile, Munsayac said Pacquiao remains unaffected since the senator has already been talking to other possible candidates like Vice President Leni Robredo for a united opposition.
Although Pacquiao has yet to announce his plans for 2022, he has already mentioned some of his agenda which include a free housing program for the poor.
Political analyst Prof. Ramon Casiple said Pacquiao might have a hard time if he will be facing another candidate from Mindanao.
The last day for the filing of candidacy will be on Oct. 8, but they have until Nov. 15 for any substitutions. – Report from Eunice Samonte/AG-rir
Watch full report here:
