By Junex Doronio
ONCE KNOWN AS THE “HIGH AND MIGHTY” PDP-Laban — the political party that was snatched by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte from the leadership of Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel — now looks like a sinking ship that is sinking fast as more members are moving on to the new ruling party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
This was leaked on Tuesday as few remaining stalwarts lamented that from a high of 120 lawmakers during the term of FPRRD, the PDP-Laban is now down to just 13 congressmen.
“As of now, there are only 13 members left in PDP. Seven members took their oath with Lakas and seven (7) members last Friday transferred to Partido Federal,” Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel sadly revealed.
He attributed the “political exodus” to the recent conflict between the Dutertes and the House leadership.
The feisty former president had called the House of Representatives as “the most rotten institution” notwithstanding the fact that he was once a member representing Davao City’s 1st District, from June 30, 1998 to June 30, 2001.
Enraged by FPRRD’s verbal attack, congressmen crossed party lines and reaffirmed their support to Romualdez’s leadership.
Even Pampanga Rep.Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who is widely known as political mentor of Vice President Sara Duterte, expressed her support for Romualdez and did not put so much weight on the stripping of her post as Deputy House Speaker.
FPGMA explained that she was abroad that’s why she failed to sign the resolution supporting Romualdez.
“We expect in the coming weeks more members will transfer to other parties,” the Surigaonon lawmaker added.
He also hinted that he could leave Duterte’s party.
“Yes, in due time. I’m still waiting for developments. I will be making my decision before recess of Congress,” Pimentel said.
(ai/mnm)
