DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 18 June) — Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte acknowledged that he and his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, are taking separate political paths after she stated she has no immediate plans to join Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), the party now under his leadership.
During a press conference aired on GMA’s One Mindanao, the mayor was asked if he would invite the vice president to join PDP-Laban. He responded, “I do not know. We are very different. Lahi among pagkaigsuon ug lahi among politika. We have our own directions and platforms when it comes to politics.”
Sara had earlier told reporters on June 16 that she remains undecided about joining her father and brother’s party, citing her fallout with political allies and her resignation from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet in 2024. She expressed a preference for political independence, saying, “Parang ayaw ko nang kausap ‘yung mga politiko. Lalong-lalo na kapag magkakasama kami sa isang grupo. I’m single and ready to mingle in terms of politics.” She remains affiliated with Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).
As acting PDP-Laban president, Mayor Duterte emphasized his goal to make the party more inclusive, stating, “Bisan janitor ka, pwede ka mo-apil ng PDP. Bisan pag basurero ka o pag bilyonaryo ka.” However, he clarified that recruitment plans are still in early stages.
Meanwhile, Senator Robin Padilla stepped down from PDP-Laban leadership, citing exhaustion from the May 2025 midterm campaign and a need to focus on his legislative duties as the 20th Congress opens. Despite this, Padilla remains active in politics, including efforts to dismiss the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. He has not announced plans to return to party leadership. (Alyssa Ilaguison / MindaNews)
