Cusi: No factions, secret candidates in PDP-Laban

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — There are no factions and secret candidates in the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), party vice-chairman Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said Friday.

During the party’s national council meeting in Pampanga, Cusi said the only objective of the event is to “advance the interest of PDP-Laban.”

“There is no secret agenda, secret candidate, there are no factions in PDP-Laban. We all belong to one— united and cohesive PDP-Laban,” Cusi said in his opening speech.

Cusi said the meeting is a venue “to resolve party issues” since it is a gathering of party leaders.

“This national council implements the national programs of the party in pursuit of its basic principles, objectives, and party programs and should be respected by all members,” Cusi said.

“The late Ka Nene Pimentel co-founded this party and we honor his memory. However, we should all be reminded that no one is above our constitution no matter how long you have been with this party. Everyone must follow the rule,” he added.

Nene Pimentel is the co-founder of the party and is the father of Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who earlier said the council meeting was “unauthorized.”

PDP-Laban held its national council meeting as two factions appear to form within the party — one with party executive vice-chairman Senator Pimentel and party president Senator Manny Pacquiao, and the other with Cusi.

The infighting has come to a point where Pacquiao expelled Cusi and two other officials for allegedly violating provisions of the party’s constitution “by showing allegiance to a political party apart from PDP-Laban.”

Despite their ouster from the party, Cusi pushed through with the council meeting. Following the national council meeting, PDP-Laban will hold a national assembly on July 17, Saturday, where an election of party officers will take place.

EDV