PRESIDENT Duterte called for unity during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) meeting on Monday amid reports of a split within its membership, and, amid calls to run again in 2022—this time for vice president—Duterte said through his spokesman it is all “up to God.”
In a recorded message, President Duterte said: “I call to all of my party mates to stand together and remain united not by personal interest but by our principles and values as we chart the future of our party and the rest of the nation.”
The President was unable to personally attend the meeting, citing a full schedule in Malacañang.
He issued the statement amid the reported disagreement between PDP-Laban president, Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, and the party’s vice chairman, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.
The dispute arose over Cusi’s calling for the PDP-Laban assembly on Monday, which Pacquiao opposed. The boxing icon-turned-senator called for a boycott, but on the eve of the assembly, Palace officials said Duterte himself had sanctioned its holding.
On Monday, President Duterte urged the PDP-Laban members to prioritize the welfare of Filipinos, especially given the people’s hardships amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Duterte as VP: ‘Up to God’
During the meeting held in Cebu, the PDP-Laban issued a resolution urging Duterte to run as vice president during the 2022 National and Local polls.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said President Duterte remains undecided on the proposal.
“He [Duterte] still leaves it to God,” Roque said.
In a news statement issued on Sunday, Roque said no less than President Duterte, as chairman of PDP-Laban, directed Cusi to convene and preside over the council meeting.
“This move, which is part of the democratic exercise, aims to consult party members and have fruitful and productive exchanges on issues affecting PDP-Laban,” Roque said.
Pacquiao earlier warned Cusi against sowing division within PDP-Laban.
Pacquiao said he wants the first ever PDP-Laban meeting during the pandemic to be rescheduled to September instead.
President Duterte’s backing of Cusi’s move to call a council meeting is likely to be seen as an indication of cracks in the ruling party, possibly the result of early maneuvers ahead of the 2022 elections.
Pacquiao had earlier said he will seek the presidency next year, but other pro-Duterte factions are reportedly moving for other candidates.
There have been calls for Duterte’s daughter, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, to run, but she insists she is not interested.
There are also pitches for the older Duterte to slide down and seek the vice presidency in 2022. He once signaled preference for a run by his most trusted aide, the former Presidential Management Staff (PMS) head now Senator Bong Go, but the latter said he would consider it only if his boss, President Duterte, would be his VP.