Lawyer Victor Rodriguez, former executive secretary and spokesperson of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., officially joined the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP) senatorial slate backed by chairperson and former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Rodriguez is among the eight senatorial candidates under PDP formally presented Tuesday at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City.
The PDP slate includes Duterte loyalists and incumbent Senators Christopher ‘Bong’ Go and Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa, 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 and detained megachurch leader Apollo Quiboloy.
“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.
The PDP candidates will campaign under the advocacy of “Tapang at Malasakit,” emphasizing a brand of public service reminiscent of the Duterte administration. They also vowed to continue the fight against illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption.
Quiboloy, in a recent proclamation rally, praised Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs and insurgency. He promised to continue these efforts, if elected to the Senate.
The pastor is facing charges of sex trafficking allegedly involving minors and former women members of his church. Dela Rosa and Bondoc said they are supportive of Quiboloy’s senatorial bid.