Duterte-led PDP drops 'Laban', endorses senatorial bets

Political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), under former President Rodrigo Duterte's leadership, officially dropped 'Laban' from its name during its 42nd anniversary celebration in Cebu City on Friday, April 19.

The decision to remove 'Laban,' which stands for Lakas ng Bayan and signifies the party's ties to Corazon Aquino's legacy, was made without any objections.

Despite this move, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel of the rival wing vowed to continue legal battles to maintain his faction as the legitimate PDP-Laban party, emphasizing its originality and ideological purity.

The Duterte-led wing also endorsed the reelection bids of Senators Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa, Francis Tolentino, Bong Go, and added actor Phillip Salvador to their senatorial roster during the meeting.

PDP president Jose Chaves Alvarez stressed that the Cusi-wing remains the only legitimate faction after the Comelec decision was upheld, while Pimentel's faction continues to challenge this ruling in court.