Palace warns PDP-Laban vs. removing Duterte from ranks

PDP-Laban's membership will be reduced significantly if it removes President Rodrigo Duterte from its roster, Malacañang said Wednesday.

During his regular press briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said PDP-Laban had only a few members before Duterte joined the party for his 2016 presidential bid.

"Walang PDP-Laban bago sumali si President Duterte diyan, kaya hindi ko alam kung saan nanggagaling 'yan. Isang jeep lang ang PDP-Laban bago sumali diyan si Presidente," he said.

(PDP-Laban was a small party until the President joined them. Their party members could only fill a jeepney before the President came along.)

Roque was answering a query regarding certain PDP-Laban members who are not in favor of Duterte running for vice president in 2022 polls.

"Kung aalisin niyo si President Duterte sa PDP-Laban, balik kayo sa isang jeep [PDP-Laban's numbers will be reduced significantly without President Duterte],” Roque added.

In a statement, PDP-Laban executive director Ron Munsayac reacted to Roque's statement, saying these party mates were "opportunists who joined the party to enjoy the fruits of a Duterte presidency."

"PDP Laban has survived the Marcos regime and has a loyal following of principled members. But from their actions they do not intend to leave they intend to illegally railroad proceedings and hi-jack the party," Munsayac said.

Munsayac said the PDP-Laban" beyond one man and one administration."

"Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely," Munsayac said.

A faction of the ruling party led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has nominated Duterte to be their vice presidential bet in next year's elections.

Cusi, PDP-Laban's vice chairman, and two other party members were however expelled by Senator Manny Pacquiao, the party's acting president, over alleged violations of its by-laws and constitution.

Roque earlier said Duterte, who chairs PDP-Laban, still recognizes the leadership of Cusi.

Duterte, according to the Palace, is set to attend the Cusi-organized meeting of PDP-Laban Cusi on July 17. —with Consuelo Marquez/KBK/NB, GMA News