Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte has assumed the role of acting president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) following the temporary exit of Senator Robin Padilla, the party’s current president.
In a statement released by PDP-Laban on Monday, June 16, 2025, Padilla cited his intention to focus on his legislative duties for the upcoming 20th Congress as the reason for stepping aside.
As the party’s executive vice president, Duterte took over the presidency in accordance with the PDP-Laban constitution’s rule of succession.
Baste accepted the position. He said he has yet to speak with Padilla but he respects and supports the latter’s decision.
“Well, I will assume the position, of course, because there will be nobody left. So, I will take this opportunity. PDP Laban is open to all, not exclusively to politicians or people in high places or kung ordinaryo kang tao and you believe in making greater country and you have aspirations to, you know, join us in building a country. We are for federalism. You are welcome to join. So, managhan ta diri, kung mas marami tayo, mas okay ito,” Baste said.
Asked if he would invite his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, to join the PDP-Laban, Baste said their political paths differ.
“I do not know. We're very different when it comes to… this is my system. Lahi na ang among pagkaigsuon, lahi ang politika gyud sa amoa. Usahay, magbangga gyud mi. So, it's the same with sa akong amahan, siya ug any other else sa amoang pamilya nga nagpulitiko. So, we have our own directions and platforms when it comes to politics. So, I cannot… di nako gusto masumbagan,” Baste added.
For her part, the Vice President confirmed that her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who serves as PDP-Laban chairman, has long invited her to join the party.
“Last year, July, noong nag-resign ako sa Department of Education, inimbita na ako ni dating Pangulo Rodrigo Duterte. At sinabi ko sa kanya na pag-iisipan ko. mas gusto ko yung ganito ako. ‘Yung sinasabi ko lagi na, ‘I’m single and ready to mingle’ in terms of politics kaysa ‘yung nakatali ka sa loob ng isang grupo. So hanggang ngayon, ma’am, wala pa akong decision kung papasok ako ng PDP,” the VP said.