Monday, 23 July, 2018, is a date that will live in infamy for leaders of the ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), particularly for former Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez, who is also party secretary-general.

Like the stab-in-the-back, the takeover of the speakership by former President and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo orchestrated by her allies at the Nationalist People’s Coalition was a treacherous act having support from, ironically, some PDP members.

The photo of Arroyo taking her oath before Ang Kabuhayan Partylist Rep. Dennis Laogan at the rostrum of the House of Representatives plenary hall is proof of party betrayal by Davao City 1st District Rep. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles and Pangasinan 3rd District Rep. Rose Marie Arenas as the two PDP members stood at the rostrum to give their blessings to the coup d’etat.

Also flanking Arroyo at the rostrum while taking her oath were Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco of NUP, Bohol 3rd District Rep. Arthur C. Yap, Abono Partylist Rep. Conrado Estrella III and Taguig City-Pateros 2nd District Rep. Pia S. Cayetano of the Nacionalista Party.

Another photo of Arroyo alone at the rostrum after it showed dozens of supporters of the new Speaker taking photos of her from the floor with Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos on the side, smiling, as the prospect of a possible House sanction on her misuse of P66 million tobacco excise tax as governor of the province may die down under the new House leader.

Considering the timing of the “hijacking” of the speakership, being done at the opening of the 17th Congress’ third regular session and Arroyo’s oathtaking done just minutes before the scheduled State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte at 4 p.m., the event was meant to shame Alvarez, the PDP and the President himself who is party chairman.

With the antics of some PDP members tainting the solidarity of the party, perhaps it’s time for a loyalty check to protect the integrity and the leaders of the organization from underhanded attacks and demolition jobs.

With the 2019 mid-term elections just around the corner and the PDP planning to assemble a full slate for the Senate, it also becomes more imperative to flush out moles and spies that may have infiltrated the party ranks and intended to weaken its candidates.

While the strength of the party lies on numbers or support from the masses come election time, votes can be compromised if disloyal partymates will sway support to rival candidates and parties.

When someone from within is rocking the boat, PDP leaders must resolutely act to preserve the party.

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