Pimentel open to forming coalition with Sara Duterte’s regional party

Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) President and Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Thursday expressed openness to form a coalition with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s regional party.

“As I have stated to my party mates, Hugpong ng Pagbabago is a regional party, PDP-Laban is a national party. There is really no problem with dual membership in the national party and regional party,” Pimentel said.

Duterte’s regional party is drawing more members following its accreditation by the Commission on Elections.

Pimentel, however, sees a potential problem if the local party would field a candidate outside of its region.

“The problem that is anticipated is if the party fields a candidate outside of its region. Well, that is a legal issue,” he said.

Pimentel said PDP-Laban will talk to all forces and allies to consolidate support for President Rodrigo Duterte.

“We should all be cooperating with each other and not competing with each other,” Pimentel said.

He also said that none of the PDP-Laban who were present in the assembly in Quezon City wanted to leave.

“Wala nakabanggit, ni isa. Everybody was happy. Nobody has said that he or she is leaving the party,” he said.   /vvp