GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) has defended its members’ support for the re-election of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, describing the move as part of a broader parliamentary strategy and alliance-building efforts.

In a statement released on Monday, 29 July, PDP-Laban Region 12 Chairman and party council elder Atty. Rogelio Garcia clarified that the affirmative votes cast by party stalwarts, including General Santos City’s lone district Representative Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles and South Cotabato 3rd District Representative Dibu Tuan, do not reflect a departure from the party’s core principles.

“The affirmative vote by our members must be viewed within the broader context of parliamentary strategy and alliance-building—an approach taken without compromising the party’s principles,” Garcia said. He emphasized that PDP-Laban remains rooted in its mission to serve the Filipino people, regardless of political uncertainties.

The statement comes amid growing public criticism, particularly directed at Rep. Bañas-Nograles, who has been accused by some netizens of leveraging the Duterte brand while supporting a perceived rival in Romualdez. This backlash draws parallels to the 2025 midterm elections, when Bañas-Nograles defeated former Rep. Loreto Acharon—an ally of Romualdez and supporter of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte—by a wide margin of over 70,000 votes.

A similar political dynamic unfolded in South Cotabato, a known stronghold of Marcos ally Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., where Rep. Tuan emerged victorious over four contenders. Analysts attributed his win largely to the enduring influence of the Duterte name in the province.

“We uphold our five founding principles and party platform with unwavering dedication,” the PDP-Laban statement reiterated. “While the core values and direction of PDP-Laban remain firm and consistent, we recognize the need to address current political developments with prudence.”

The party’s clarification signals an attempt to manage internal and external tensions as it navigates the complex terrain of national politics ahead of the 2025 legislative sessions.