Duterte party consolidates forces

Speaking in front of the members of the press at the Matina Enclaves, Davao City, presumptive president-elect Rodrigo Duterte bares his programs and policies that primarily focus on peace and order and on efficient government service. PHOTO BY BARRY OHAYLAN / CONTRIBUTOR

The Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) is moving aggressively to try and take control of the leadership of the 17th Congress under presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

Incoming Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, Duterte’s personal choice for Speaker, met with at least 60 lawmakers from Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) led by its president Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and the party-list coalition led by AGAP Rep. Nick Briones and AKO Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe.

“We are ready to support you (Alvarez) all the way and support the programs of government of President-elect Duterte,” said Romualdez.

PDP-Laban vice chair Alfonso Cusi brought application forms to invite lawmakers to join Duterte’s party.

Alvarez said he expected to increase PDP-Laban’s membership from three to at least 80 members.

“We have a lot of things to do to implement the changes the Duterte administration has promised the people. I hope in the days to come, we shall be united in pursuing the legislation needed to effect change in our country,” Alvarez told lawmakers and guests at the Japanese restaurant of the Midas Hotel in Pasay City.

Alvarez signed separate agreements with Lakas-CMD and the party-list coalition as part of his buildup for a majority vote to secure the Speakership in the next Congress.

Among those present were Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos and Medy Poblador, who represented the detained Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Alvarez represented Davao del Norte in the 10th Congress from 1998 to 2001. He later served as secretary of Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He was implicated in alleged irregularities in the awarding of contracts for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. However, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the case for  “lack of evidence” in 2001.