PDP-Laban’s Martin Diño says he’s not a spare tire

Members of the PDP-Laban on Monday rallied behind the presidential candidacy of anti-crime advocate and Quezon City barangay captain Martin Diño.

The party, which was founded in the late 1970s to oppose the Marcos dictatorship, made the announcement amid persistent rumors that Diño filed his certificate of candidacy for president to keep the door open for Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's possible presidential run.

Diño, during the news conference, denied that he was filling in for any body.

"Ang kaharap ninyo ay hindi spare tire," Diño said.

In a resolution, the PDP-Laban leadership told its members to support Diño in his presidential bid.

PDP-Laban national chairman former South Cotabato Governor Mike Sueno said Diño was chosen to be the party nominee because of his credentials as chairman of Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption and as barangay captain of Quezon City.

Sueno added that Diño was a staunch supporter of federalism, one of the key ideals of the party.

Under the law and the rules of the Commission on Elections, PDP-Laban member Duterte could withdraw his COC for mayor and then run for president as a substitute for Diño.

Duterte's has consistently ranked in the top five of recent presidential preference surveys.

After disappointing his supporters in Manila after he didn't show up to file a COC for president, Duterte just a few days ago indicated that he was open to running for president as a substitute candidate.

Up to the party

When asked what he would do if Duterte changes his mind and run for president, Diño said that he would follow the leadership of the party.

"It is up to the exec. comm. [executive committee], sa pamunuan ng PDP-Laban kung ano ang kanilang mapag-desisyunan. Ako ay party man. I will abide," he said.

Sueno added that if there will be new developments, the PDP-Laban will convene again.

"Everything is possible," he said. "Sa PDP-Laban kasi, it's the party that decides."

Nonetheless, both stressed that as it stands, the VACC chairman is the official presidential nominee of the party.

"We only have one candidate, Martin Diño," Sueno added.

Chants for Duterte

Although the event was meant to strengthen the candidacy of Diño, many of the attendees wore shirts that showed support for Duterte. Some said "Run Duterte Run  2016" and "#justDUit".

Others also wore baller bandss with Duterte's name on it.

At some point during the question and answer portion, a group chanted Duterte's name. But later also expressed support for Diño.

"Kaming mga Duterte supporters, para kay Diño kami!" one of them said and started chanting the VACC chairman's name.

Another news conference was slated for Tuesday. -NB, GMA News