'PROTECT VP SARA'! PDP-Laban adds Imee, Camille to slate

On the day before the eve of the 12 May elections, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) formally adopted reelectionist Senator Imee Marcos and Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar as guest candidates in its senatorial slate.

In Resolution No. 4, released Saturday evening by the former ruling party chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos and Villar—both previously affiliated with the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, the political coalition formed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—were officially adopted.

“[I]t is incumbent upon the PDP to align itself with leaders and public figures who embody the Party's vision and principles, and who demonstrate an dedication to addressing the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people through legislative advocacy and policy initiatives consistent with the Party's objectives,” the party said.

“Maria Imelda ‘Imee’ R. Marcos and Camille A. Villar were personally endorsed by Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte,” it added.

On Thursday, Vice President Duterte reiterated her support for the reelection bid of Senator Marcos, as well as the electoral bid of Villar — daughter of Senator Cynthia Villar and sister of Senator Mark Villar — during the PDP-Laban miting de avance held at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

Senator Marcos in March withdrew from her brother’s senatorial slate, citing differences in actions taken by the administration.

Meanwhile, Villar remains part of the administration ticket, according to Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign manager and Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco.

‘Protect VP Sara vs impeachment’

The resolution also stated that Marcos and Villar are adopted in order to “protect” Vice President Duterte from her impending impeachment in the Senate.

“[T]here is a need for more allies to protect the Vice President against impeachment,” the party said.

Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on 5 February, with a total of 215 lawmakers — or more than two-thirds of the members — supporting the motion.

Her conviction, which would remove her from office and bar her from holding future public positions, is currently pending in the Senate.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced earlier that the upper chamber would convene the impeachment court on 30 July despite clamors to act on the impeachment complaints.

For Duterte to be convicted, the Senate, which will act as the impeachment court, must secure two-thirds of the votes — or at least 16 out of the current 23 senators.

‘Practical’

The party also stressed that it is “practical” for them to “complete the 12 senatorial slate.”

To recall, the senatorial slate of PDP-Laban originally consists of the so-called DuterTEN, composed of Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Rodante Marcoleta, Jimmy Bondoc, Victor Rodriguez, Apollo Quiboloy, Richard Mata, Raul Lambino, Philip Salvador, and Jayvee Hinlo.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the PDP hereby formally adopts Maria Imelda ‘Imee’ R. Marcos and Camille A. Villar as guest candidates for inclusion in the PDP senatorial slate for the 2025 National and Local Elections, recognizing their alignment with the Party’s values and their demonstrated commitment to advancing the interests of the Filipino people through public service,” the party said.

“Resolved Further, that all members, officers, and supporters of the PDP, at all levels of Party organization — from the national, regional, and provincial committees to municipal and barangay units — are hereby directed to extend their full support to the candidacy of Maria Imelda ‘Imee’ R. Marcos and Camille A. Villar by actively participating in and facilitating their inclusion in all sample ballots and other initiatives deemed essential to the success of the Party’s senatorial campaign, and to ensure that they receive prominent representation alongside other Party candidates,” it added.

It continued: “Resolved Finally, that the Party shall deploy all available resources, logistical support, and campaign infrastructure to advance the candidacy of Maria Imelda ‘Imee’ R. Marcos and Camille A. Villar, ensuring their visibility, prominence, and strong presence in all forms of campaign outreach — including media engagements, electoral forums, house-to-house campaigns, and grassroots mobilization efforts — in pursuit of a successful electoral outcome for both the Party and the aforementioned candidates.”