Actor-turned senator Padilla is new PDP president

Senator Robin Padilla speaks to members of the media during an ambush interview at the Senate in Pasay City on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Senator Robin Padilla —INQUIRER.net/Noy Morcoso

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Robinhood Padilla has formally assumed the presidency of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), replacing Palawan Rep. Jose Chaves Alvarez, who resigned from the position.

Earlier, Padilla said he would accept the post only “if I see that I can do good things and I can help my fellow Filipinos.”

READ: PDP drops Laban from name, endorses 2025 bets

In a previous interview, he said he would implement new policies in the party once he took over its leadership.

“As the new PDP president, Senator Padilla will continue to consolidate the party membership and prepare for the 2025 mid-term elections which Rep. Alvarez started,” the senator’s office said, quoting a PDP statement.

“We are confident that under Senator Padilla’s leadership, the party is in good hands and will continue to be a major force for reform and development in the country,” it added.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte ran for president in 2016 under the PDP-Laban, as the party used to be known.

In April, party leaders led by Duterte implemented changes in the party, including its name. —Tina G. Santos

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