Sen. Manny Pacquiao. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Legitimate members of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) who will be attending the party’s national assembly on Saturday, July 17, could face suspension or expulsion from the party.
Senator Manny Pacquiao, PDP-Laban president issued this warning ahead of the party’s national council meeting scheduled this Friday afternoon.
According to Pacquiao, they don’t recognize the national assembly on Saturday as this was not coordinated with him as well as with the members of the national executive committee (NEC).
When asked in an interview with DZBB if active party members who will show up in the assembly will be penalized, the senator answered: “Definitely, definitely.”
“Kailangang masunod yung rules ng partido, yung constitution ng partido at kailangan yung ideolohiya ng partido masunod.”
(The rules of the party must be followed as well as its constitution and ideology)
“Pwedeng suspension or expelled sa partido…(It could be suspension or expulsion from the party)” he added when pressed about the sanctions.
Pacquiao noted his earlier decision to expel party vice-chairman, Energy chief Alfonso Cusi, and two other officials for supposedly violating the PDP-Laban’s constitution and rules.
As party president, Pacquiao said he asserted his power to discipline its members.
His decision to expel the three officers was also based on the NEC’s investigation, Pacquiao pointed out.
No less than the party’s chairman, President Rodrigo Duterte will be attending the national assembly to preside over, said expelled PDP-Laban acting Secretary-General Melvin Matibag.