Despite senatorial bet ex- agrarian reform chief John Castriciones’ shift of loyalty to presidential aspirant Manila Mayor Isko Moreno of Aksyon Demokratiko, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino under the wing of Energy Secretary Altonso Cusi cannot just remove him from the party.
At a news conference in Quezon City, Astra Pimentel, a PDP-Laban senatorial candidate, said “Castriciones filed his certificate of nomination and acceptance using the PDP-Laban. As far as PDP is concerned, we have to meet with Sec John Castriciones, and you may allow us (to say this), Sec John declared his support for Moreno even before PDP-Laban had endorsed Bongbong Marcos as its presidential candidate.”
When asked if the party would have to remove the picture of Castriciones in all PDP-Laban senatorial slate’s tarpaulins, she said they cannot do so because he is still a party candidate.
“The party has not yet held its national council meeting to discuss the stand of Sec Castriciones,” she said.Rio N. Araja
Another party’s senatorial bet, Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, said “it is you who has to decide, and that we cannot do anything about your decision.”
Diosdado Padilla, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte-National Executive Coordinating (MRRD-NECC), said their group could only throw their support for actor Robin Padilla, Pimentel, Marcoleta, broadcast journalist Rey Langit, Greco Belgica and another one.