Koko Pimentel on PDP-Laban faction: Let us see how this plays out

“Let us see how this plays out.”

This was former PDP-Laban president and Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III’s statement after President Rodrigo Duterte led a party meeting on Tuesday night without the presence of some of the ruling party’s officials.

“There are apparently two groups now both moving and carrying the name of the party PDP LABAN. One, with which the President is identified, is led by [Energy Secretary Alfonso] Cusi. The other, with which I and many long time PDP Laban members are identified, is led by Sen. Manny Pacquiao. Let us see how this plays out,” Pimentel, who sits as the party's executive vice chairman, told GMA News Online in a Viber message.

Duterte— PDP-Laban’s chairman and Pacquiao— the party’s acting president—have been at odds over the past week over the corruption allegations, with Duterte lashing out at the lawmaker for his supposed criticisms.

The President dared Pacquiao to bare corruption in the government to prove his claim that there is a proliferation of graft in the current administration.

Pacquiao accepted the President’s challenge and exposed alleged corruption in the distribution of “ayuda” and in the Departments of Health and Energy. The DOH and DOE both denied the allegations.

Pacquiao first earned the ire of Duterte when he apparently criticized the President's stance on the West Philippine Sea issue.

Over the weekend, Pacquiao asserted his authority over PDP-Laban, saying he is the “legitimate” president of the ruling party.

This, as Cusi’s group pushes PDP-Laban national council meetings and assemblies without the blessing of Pacquiao and Pimentel.

Last week, Cusi told Pacquiao to first leave the ruling party before criticizing President Rodrigo Duterte—the party chairman.

Pacquiao responded by urging Cusi to follow their bylaws and rules or else the Energy secretary should leave the party.

Last May 31, the PDP-Laban council suggested holding another meeting on July 16. They also suggested having a national assembly on July 17 for electing their party officers.

PDP-Laban secretary-general Melvin Matibag earlier said the July 17 assembly might discuss the election of new party officials.

This will include the possibility of replacing Pacquiao as acting president of the party.

Pacquiao is currently in the United States to prepare for his fight against American boxer Errol Spence in August. Pacquiao said he will call for a PDP-Laban assembly in September after his boxing match. — Hana Bordey/RSJ, GMA News