Senator Robin Padilla expressed his willingness on Tuesday to assume the presidency of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) if it means benefiting the Filipino people.
During a press conference, Padilla clarified that he did not actively seek the position; it was offered to him. He also noted that discussions about his potential leadership role are still in progress.
“If you ask me, it’s a good position they’re offering. Thank you for the trust, and many thanks to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and everyone in the PDP. But, of course, talks are still ongoing,” Padilla stated. “I did not ask for this. Even being a senator, I did not ask for it. This just fell in front of me. If I see that I can do good and help my countrymen, then I will accept.”
Padilla, who previously announced his role as acting president of the party, expressed a desire to understand PDP’s plans and expectations for him should he become the new leader. He mentioned that he would introduce proposals to the organization but did not elaborate on specific plans.
Historical Context and Party Dynamics
PDP-Laban was established in 1983 from the merger of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), co-founded by Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., and Lakas Ng Bayan (Laban) party, founded by Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Both were key opposition figures during Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s presidency.
The party gained prominence in 1986 following Corazon Aquino’s election victory and Marcos’s ouster. However, its influence declined after Aquino’s term ended in 1992, until it regained prominence by supporting Rodrigo Duterte’s presidential bid in 2016. In 2022, the faction led by Duterte and then-Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi endorsed Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s presidential bid.
Padilla is part of the PDP faction aligned with Duterte, which is engaged in a legal dispute with a faction led by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Nene Pimentel’s son. The Commission on Elections ruled in 2022 that the Duterte wing is the legitimate PDP-Laban party, but Pimentel’s faction has appealed to the Supreme Court.
In April, the Duterte-led PDP faction rebranded the party by dropping “Laban” from its name, now simply known as PDP.