Despite receiving the support of Vice President Sara Duterte for her senatorial bid, Senator Imee Marcos is not among the officially endorsed candidates of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban) for the 2025 midterm elections, a party source confirmed on Saturday.

A PDP Laban insider told DAILY TRIBUNE that as of last week, only 10 senatorial candidates are included in the party’s official slate, which is being promoted during political rallies nationwide.

“So far, only the 10 candidates — minus Senator Imee — are listed in the sample ballots of the PDP,” the source said.

The party, which no longer officially uses the "Lakas ng Bayan" branding once associated with the late Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., played a key role in the rise of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who ran under its banner during the 2016 presidential elections.

Veteran party members have previously urged both factions of PDP Laban to refrain from involving Vice President Duterte in internal disputes, noting that she has never been a member of the party, despite her close ties to her father, former President Duterte.

In recent weeks, tensions within PDP Laban have resurfaced following calls from Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, son of the late senator and current party leader, to expedite impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte.

Senator Pimentel sent an official letter to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero urging the upper chamber to initiate the trial. The action was made under the PDP Laban banner, raising questions over the party’s internal unity and direction.