Former President Rodrigo Duterte proclaimed the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino’s (PDP) nine senatorial candidates last night at the Club Filipino in San Juan City.
Duterte criticized the administration for the high price of rice.
“Kagaya nitong bigas…it goes on, up and up and nahihirapan ang Pilipino to cope up.”
In a message, Vice President Sara Duterte endorsed the PDP candidates, saying in Filipino, “I am confident that the people have the power to change how the country is run by voting for the right candidates… who will honestly and patiently serve the nation.
The PDP formally introduced its nine-member Senate slate, which includes lawyer Victor Rodriguez, the former executive secretary and spokesperson of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The PDP slate also includes incumbent Senators Bato dela Rosa, Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, along with lawyers Raul Lambino, Jayvee Hinlo and Jimmy Bondoc (also a singer) with former actor Philip Salvador.
Joining them in the slate are close allies SAGIP party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta.
All candidates were present at the event, except detained Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who sent a video message.
The PDP bets are campaigning under the advocacy of “Tapang at Malasakit,” underscoring the continuation of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s fight against illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption.
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, known for his role in the Duterte administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign, Tokhang, vowed to sustain his efforts against illegal drugs if re-elected.
He also dismissed accusations from President Marcos’ speech at Tuesday’s Alyansa ng Bayan proclamation rally that he has “blood on his hands” due to the violent crackdown on illegal drugs.
Dela Rosa defended his actions, saying he has no regrets as long as the work benefitted the Filipino people.
Quiboloy, through a video message, reinforced PDP’s hardline stance on national security and governance.
“Our president [Duterte] fought leftist terrorists and illegal drugs, the scourge of society. I will bring this fight to the Senate… I will make laws that will give livelihood to every Filipino, Quiboloy declared in Filipino.
Among his key proposals is the implementation of the death penalty for corrupt government officials and the establishment of a “Truth Commission” to ensure transparency and accountability in public office.
The pastor is currently incarcerated, facing charges of sex trafficking involving minors and former women members of his church.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez officially joined the PDP senatorial slate.
He outlined his legislative priorities, including amending the plunder law, enforcing the death penalty for corrupt officials, strengthening the fight against illegal drugs, and mandating drug testing for elected and appointed officials.
“All of the senatorial candidates of PDP-Laban share the party’s principles of solidarity, justice, equity, social and intergenerational responsibility, self-reliance, efficiency, and enlightened nationalism,” the PDP said in a statement.
“And amid the numerous challenges the country is facing today—including widespread poverty and corruption—the party’s senatorial candidates have vowed to put the interests of the Filipino above all interests, once they are elected this coming elections,” the party added.