Davao City – Former president and Partido ng Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) chairperson Rodrigo Roa Duterte formally endorsed his senatorial candidates for the May 12 elections in a gathering Thursday night, January 30, at a local hotel here.

Dubbed the Senatorial Candidates National Coordination Meeting, the event was graced by Duterte, who is aiming for another mayoral seat in the upcoming elections, along with his son Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, the incumbent mayor now seeking the vice mayoralty position.

Hundreds of PDP Laban leaders and supporters from Mindanao cheered as Duterte endorsed the party’s senatorial candidates, which included Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, Atty. Raul Lambino, Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, lawyer Jayvee Hinlo, Sen. Robin Padilla, former singer Jimmy Bondoc, and actor Philip Salvador.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who also spoke to the crowd, said the PDP Laban candidates represent a vote against an administration that has “done nothing but to fool and oppress this country and its people.”

“Para saan ang laban ng PDP Laban pag di tayo lalaban? Tayo ay lalaban talaga (What is the PDP Laban fighting for if we don't fight? We will really fight),” said the younger Duterte, who also cited how his father Rodrigo became president because the Filipino people believed in him, as he embodied their ideals and aspirations.

Other candidates also spoke to their supporters during the fun-filled evening, with the crowd repeatedly cheering “Duterte, Duterte.”