Photo of PDP Laban Senatorial Slate Earns Reactions
DUTERTE ALLIES – A photo shared by the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) Laban showcasing their senatorial slate for 2025, which includes former President Rodrigo Duterte, has sparked a wide range of reactions online.
The Facebook post, shared on December 19, 2024, revealed the approved list of candidates for the upcoming elections, with endorsements from Duterte. The candidates include Atty. Jimmy Bondoc, Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa, Sen. Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, Atty. Jesus ‘Jayvee’ Hinlo Jr., Atty. Raul Lambino, Cong. Rodante ‘Dante’ Marcoleta, and Philip ‘Ipe’ Salvador. Additionally, the PDP Laban mentioned Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, despite his absence in the photo.
The post emphasized that these candidates would champion service grounded in courage and compassion under Duterte’s leadership. The announcement quickly garnered diverse reactions from netizens. Some criticized the lineup, labeling the individuals as poor examples of government leadership, while others expressed their intent to avoid voting for certain candidates. On the other hand, PDP Laban supporters rallied behind the slate, urging a “straight vote” for the party, citing their belief in a “sure win.”
Meanwhile, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) was founded in 1982 with the goal of promoting social democracy and democratic socialism in the Philippines. In 1983, it merged with Lakas ng Bayan (Laban), a political group formed by the late Benigno Aquino Jr., to create the PDP-Laban. The party played a key role in opposing the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos and later supported Corazon Aquino’s rise to the presidency after the People Power Revolution.
Over time, the PDP-Laban experienced a period of decline but was revived when Rodrigo Duterte embraced it as his political platform during his 2016 presidential campaign. Under Duterte, the party’s political stance shifted, blending populist rhetoric with more right-wing policies. PDP-Laban became a strong advocate for federalism, anti-communism, and populism, securing significant influence in government, including the presidency from 2016 to 2022.