PDP-Laban distancing from Rody's tirades vs BBM

Lawmakers belonging to the former ruling party PDP-Laban have distanced themselves from their party chairman, former president Rodrigo Duterte, refusing to join him in his repeated tirades against President Marcos.

- DELON PORCALLA

"Our party chairman, being a former president, can say anything he wants. But we in the party hierarchy, we are consolidators, we are peacemakers, we are at the forefront for peace and prosperity of the nation," said party president Rep. Jose Alvarez.

"So, therefore, whatever rhetoric he has, please don't involve us," the Palawan congressman said.

At a press conference in Cebu over the weekend, Alvarez said they will not toe Duterte's line as they are not under any obligation to echo or support the former president's sentiments or gripes against Marcos.

The political party held its 42nd anniversary last April 19 in Cebu, where its national council conducted its meeting.

Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, who hosted a party gathering on April 19, said he supports Alvarez's statement.

Sen. Francis Tolentino associated himself with Rama and Alvarez's statements.

Alvarez maintained that Duterte's statements are not the party's stance.

The party was in Cebu for a fellowship, he noted.