Duterte says PDP-Laban Party strong, united; Pacquiao removed as president

The ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDPLaban) Party remains strong and united despite recent challenges, President Duterte declared following the election of new officials and the ouster of Sen. Manny Pacquiao as party president. He was replaced by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

-  GENALYN KABILING and VANNE ELAINE P. TERRAZOLA

The President recognized the growing strength of the administration party since he won the presidency in 2016, and thanked his party mates for their continued trust and confidence in his leadership.

The latest remarks of Duterte, chairman of the ruling party, were issued when he attended the PDP-Laban national assembly in Clark, Pampanga on Saturday, July 17. He also led the oath-taking of the new party officers during the meeting.

Your presence here sends a clear and resounding message to everyone that our Party is as strong as ever, and that we are united in further consolidating our ranks until the end of my term and beyond, the President said.

I also deeply appreciate your commitment to support whatever my decision may be for the 2022 national elections, said Duterte, who earlier said he was seriously thinking of running for vice president when his six-year term ends next year.