A faction of the Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) no longer recognizes President Rodrigo Duterte as chairperson of the political party.
Ron Munsayac, the national executive director of PDP-Laban, announced on Sunday, August 29, that the 'original' party held a national council meeting and decided to elect Sen. Aquilino Pimentel as the new chairperson.
"It (national council meeting) was attended by our national & regional officers and national committee chairmen led by Party President and our "Pambansang Kamao" Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who is currently airborne on his way home here," Munsayac said in a message to reporters.
During the meeting on Sunday, the PDP-Laban faction also named former Eastern Samar Gov. Lutgardo Barbo as vice-chairperson of the political party.
Last July, another faction of the PDP-Laban held a national assembly in Pampanga, and elected Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi as the new president of the party, which in effect removes Pacquiao from the said position.
President Duterte attended the said event and showed his support for Cusi.
However, the faction that includes Pimentel and Pacquiao refuses to recognize the national assembly in Pampanga, which they called "farce and illegal."
