A Duterte-aligned faction of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) has expressed support for Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2028 presidential elections, citing her potential role in advancing the party’s long-standing push for federalism.
Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, the party’s deputy spokesperson, said the group’s backing of Duterte — despite her not being a formal member — is anchored on shared political goals.
“The reason why we defend the Vice President, although she’s not a member of the party, is because we think that with her as president in 2028, the party will be able to realize its dream for the Filipino people,” Topacio said in a television interview.
He linked the party’s “dream” to its advocacy for a federal system of government.
“With her at the helm of government in 2028, we would be able to realize the dream of having a federal system of government for our people,” he added.
Topacio, who also serves as spokesperson for Duterte in her impeachment proceedings, said his alignment with PDP-Laban is rooted in its platform, which he believes aligns with his views on governance and national development.
He noted that he previously left the Nacionalista Party after it diverged from its earlier direction.
“A political party is not just candidates. It is platform, it is communication, it is vision, it is development of an agenda for the country,” he said.
He also revealed that PDP-Laban has begun exploratory talks with other political groups for a possible coalition ahead of the 2028 elections.
“We are willing to coalesce with any other party that shares our vision, our goals, and our advocacies. In fact, although I’m not at liberty to reveal which ones, we are already this early in talks with other parties for a possible coalition,” Topacio said.