The political party of former President Rodrigo Duterte, PDP Laban, announced a nationwide membership recruitment drive Thursday as the opposition party prepares for the 2028 national elections.

Vice president for the National Capital Region Penny Belmonte said the party is accepting applications nationwide but will subject potential members to a strict vetting process to ensure integrity and public service alignment.

“The members of PDP Laban must be people of conviction who serve the country honestly, putting service before self-interest,” Belmonte said. “They must possess integrity and a clean background to represent the party.”

PDP Laban vice president for Visayas Mike Rama acknowledged the challenges the party faces as the primary opposition to the current administration, noting that members face political pressure.

He urged party supporters to oppose corruption, citing concerns over government flood control expenditures.

Rama drew parallels to the party’s historical origin fighting the martial law regime of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., noting that his uncle, Napoleon Rama, was imprisoned alongside opposition leaders Benigno Aquino Jr., Jose Diokno and Ramon Mitra.

PDP-Laban Youth Representative Joseph Villareal urged younger voters to participate in political reform, stating that the youth must take an active role ahead of the 2028 elections to combat corruption.

National Membership chairperson Astra Pimentel confirmed that membership applications are open online and via email.

Participating via Zoom while attending House budget deliberations, PDP-Laban vice president for Mindanao Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles alleged political retaliation against opposition members.

Bañas-Nograles stated that her lone district’s proposed 2027 budget was reduced by 70 percent, from P1.5 billion down to P500 million, following her vote against the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

She cited the reduced funds were intended for disaster rehabilitation in earthquake-affected areas of General Santos City.