Governor Esmael Mangudadatu of Maguindanao led a contingent of officials from the province and the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in joining the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban) recently.
With him were 20 ARMM Assemblymen led by their speaker, Ronnie Sinsuat, Maguindanao vice-governor Lester Sinsuat, 12 board members, 26 mayors, and 13 vice-mayors.
PDP Laban is the natural party of those that have been marginalized by the unitary system of government.
“It’s not surprising that Maguindanao joined PDP Laban. The Party was born in Mindanao and has consistently advocated Federalism. PDP Laban is the natural party of those that have been marginalized by the unitary system of government,” said Senate President Koko Pimentel III, the Party’s national president.
PDP Laban is the largest political party in the country, counting among its members not just the leaders and representatives of most of the country’s provinces and cities, but also thousands of ordinary people who believe in the Party’s goal of change.
In addition to its unprecedented representation in the grassroots, PDP Laban also boasts of close relationships with established political parties in other countries, such as the Communist Party of China and United Russia.
Pimentel has declared that the Party will close its doors to “political” members by the end of February, although its doors will remain open to people who have no plans of running for office.