Pimentel on PDP-Laban leadership change: It’s all up to party members
MANILA, Philippines – Amid rumors of a change in leadership within the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) party, its president, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, on Wednesday night said the decision still depends on its members.
Pimentel said the party has been planning its national assembly, where party leaders are elected.
The assembly, however, has been delayed.
“If ever [magkaroon ng change of leadership], dapat idaan namin sa proseso and matagal na din naman sa pipeline na we will call for our congress or national assembly. Matagal na po yan sa pipeline. Dumating lang ang eleksyon pinostpone namin, ngayon regular period na wala nang distraction,” Pimentel told reporters at the victory party organized by PDP-Laban for Senator Manny Pacquiao, who recently defeated American boxer Keith Thurman.
“Dapat ang PDP-Laban ang membership ayusin na. Yung mga ayusin na nung iba, klaruhin na nila so we will know who our electors are during our assembly,” he added, saying that the assembly could still push through within the year.
Pimentel said there is no assurance yet that a change of leadership will indeed happen.
Article continues after this advertisement“Wala [pang assurance]. We will listen to the voice of members kung sino ang gusto nila,” Pimentel said.
Article continues after this advertisement“Pwede [ang ending ay status quo] pero definitely there will be some changes in the committee chairmanships, Vice President,” the party president added.
The rumors of a change in leadership within the party surfaced after several members of PDP-Laban moved overto the National Unity Party (NUP).
Pimentel confirmed that 12, not 30, of its members are now NUP members.
READ: PDP-Laban presses members to confirm affiliation as some solons join NUP
READ: Pulong, 30 PDP-Laban congressmen join NUP
Asked if the rumored change in leadership was prompted by the supposed disgruntled party members and transfer of several party members, Pimentel said party- switching happens.
“Wala, mangyayari naman talaga yang paglipat. There are only 71 committees in the House of Representatives. We have 85 members, don’t tell me mapagbibigyan mo lahat yun so talagang mayroon kang hindi mapagbibigyan,” Pimentel said. /gsg
