FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte expressed confidence that his senatorial candidates will win in the 2025 midterm elections.
“Mananalo tayo, maniwala kayo, hindi naman siguro lahat pero lulusot atin (We will win, believe it, not all of us may win, but I know some will prevail),” Duterte said during the PDP National Coordination Meeting at the Grand Menseng Hotel in Davao City, on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Duterte’s senatorial lineup is comprised of Atty. Jimmy Bondoc, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Atty. Jesus "Jayvee" Hinlo Jr., Atty. Raul Lambino, Philip "Ipe" Salvador, Congressman Rodante "Dante" Marcoleta, and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
Duterte acknowledged that organizing events for PDP is difficult, especially since money is needed for these activities. He revealed that whatever donations the party receives from business owners are shared with its members.
“Wala tayong big contributor, I don’t know this time, baka, quasi. Dumarami na kasi ang PDP pati congressman. We want to put us differently this time na parang we are a critical factor sa ating political line (We don’t have big contributors, I don’t know this time, maybe it’s because PDP is growing in numbers, even its congressmen. We want to position ourselves differently this time as if we are a critical factor in our political stance),” he said.
He also reflected on his journey to the presidency, recalling how he never had enough money for his campaign. He shared his experience as a prosecutor and as mayor of Davao City.
Duterte said that he is not concerned about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. being accused of anything, noting that he does not see any signs of him being abusive.
He said if the president could hear him, he would request that there be a fair fight in the upcoming election.
On May 12, 2025, around 68 million Filipinos are expected to participate in the 2025 midterm elections.
Voters will elect approximately 18,000 officials, including 12 senators, 254 district representatives, 63 party-list representatives, and 17,942 governors, provincial board members, mayors, and councilors. (RGP)
