DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has accused President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s administration of leading the Philippine government into an oppressive and abusive system.
Speaking at the PDP-Laban Senatorial Proclamation Rally at Club Filipino in San Juan City on February 13, 2025, Duterte, who serves as the party’s executive vice president, said the country is being pulled back to the era of Marcos Sr.’s dictatorship.
“Huwag nating sayangin ang mandato na ibinigay sa atin ng ating mga kababayan. Huwag natin sayangin ang mga buhay na itinaya ng ating mga kapwa Pilipino, lalo na ng mga pulis at sundalo, para lamang maipaglaban ang kapayapaan at kalayaan ng bansang Pilipinas (Let us not waste the mandate given to us by our fellow countrymen. Let us not squander the lives sacrificed by our fellow Filipinos, especially the police and soldiers, who fought for the peace and freedom of the Philippines),” he said.
He stated that the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte proved it is possible to reform the government and lead with discipline—without oppression or abuse.
Duterte also said that as public servants, they must ensure a prosperous and peaceful life for Filipinos. As committed members of PDP and the voice of the people, he vowed they would continue to engage, speak out, and fight.
He said that they are only getting started, and while the road ahead may be challenging, it will not weaken their commitment to building a peaceful nation for Filipinos.
“Hinding-hindi tayo uurong. Patuloy tayong hahakbang para sa karangalan ng mga Pilipino at ng buong Pilipinas. Walang makakapigil sa atin kapag tayo ay magkakaisa at buong pusong mag-aalay ng ating buhay para sa kinabukasan ng ating pinakamamahal na bayan (We will never back down. We will keep moving forward for the honor of Filipinos and the entire Philippines. Nothing can stop us when we stand united and wholeheartedly dedicate our lives to the future of our beloved nation),” he added.
Duterte vowed that PDP-Laban would continue fighting for the youth, peace, and a government that prioritizes the people’s welfare.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte, in her message, expressed her gratitude to supporters and urged the public to vote for the Duterte senatorial lineup.
“Ako ay natitiwalang nasa taong bayan ang kapangyarihang baguhin ang kasalukuyang takbo ng ating bayan sa pamamagitan ng pagboto sa mga taong karapat-dapat, tapat at matiyagang maglilingkod sa bayan (I am confident that the power to change the current course of our nation lies with the people, through voting for those who are deserving, honest, and dedicated to serving the country),” she said.
The Vice President expressed her solidarity with those praying for the success of their advocacy, aiming to uplift the nation and improve the lives of all Filipinos.
The party’s senatorial slate includes Atty. Jimmy Bondoc, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Atty. Jesus "Jayvee" Hinlo Jr., Atty. Raul Lambino, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, Philip "Ipe" Salvador, Rep. Rodante "Dante" Marcoleta, and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
Meanwhile, the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., held its proclamation rally at the Centennial Arena in Laoag City on February 11, 2025. Their senatorial lineup features former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senators Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Francis Tolentino, and Lito Lapid, former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and Vicente “Tito” Sotto, former Social Welfare Secretary and ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar. RGP
