The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban) is still in the planning stage on whether or not to conduct a rally in support of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Tagum City businessman Cesar Cuntapay, who is the PDP Laban’s congressional bet in the 2025 mid-term election against Vice Governor De Carlo Oyo Uy, disclosed that they are still planning their move now that the conflict between the Vice President and the administration “has worsened” following the detention of Duterte’s chief of staff Zuleika Lopez after the Quad Committee of the House of Representative cited her in contempt during a hearing last week.
Cuntapay in a phone interview with Manila Standard on Monday said that the supposed rally did not push through on Sunday as they are still finalizing some details.
“It’s not that easy to put into action such a big plan. It needs a thorough plan and we are still in the planning stage” he admitted.
Cuntapay added that he will be joining the rally once it is ready to be staged. “Yes, I will be joining the rally. I believe this is the right time and opportunity to show our support to the Vice President,” Cuntapay said.
“I believed the Congress was out of line already. They are already harassing the Vice President,” Cuntapay added.
Another ally and independent candidate for congressman for the First District Cesar Granada, a farmer advocate, also shared his sentiment regarding the Vice President’s issue.
Granada said the Vice President remained quiet and it is only now that she decided to speak because of allegations of the misuse of government funds and abuse of authority.
Outgoing Representative Pantaleon Alvarez who is a vocal ally of the Dutertes did not reply to the Manila Standards text message. He did not also picked up the calls
As of press time, there were no supporters seen gathering at the Rizal Park in Davao.
Alvarez is gunning for the vice governor position against Clarice Jubahib, daughter of incumbent Governor Edwin Jubahib while Cuntapay, Granada and board member Nicandro Nickel Suaybaguio are running for congressman for the First District of Davao Del Norte.
