By Macon Araneta
SEN. AQUILINO “Koko” Pimentel III on July 29, warned against saboteurs of Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP-Laban), saying they were out to wreak havoc and destroy the ruling party.
“Once they succeed in their plot, they will jump boat,” said Pimentel who noted that he spent his political life in the party founded by his father, former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel II.
The younger Pimentel stressed that PDP-Laban is the only party for him and he has been its member for the past 36 years.
He likened the party’s saboteurs to a businessman who bought the “brand name” of another business only to kill it.
“We should be wary of (them) — those who just joined (PDP-Laban) and we do not know the motive… now, they’re so influential, they mimic the party goals and then, they do not care if the party will be destroyed. So, we should closely watch these politicians,” said Pimentel who also preceded Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.
“I spent 36 years of my life at PDP- Laban. I had never bolted from any political party,” reiterated the senator, the incumbent president of the party chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte.
He emphasized that his ouster as party president last July 27 during a gathering in Quezon City by those he called “rogue members” provided a “comic relief” on a Friday when traffic was so heavy.
“They just wasted their money (for this event). They could have just used it to help the fire victims in Sulu.
He said PDP CARES is going to Sulu to bring assistance to fire victims.
Meanwhile, contrary to their assertion that they are the “genuine members” of PDP- Laban, Ronnie Munsayac, the party’s Information Committee Officer, also branded as “rogue members” those who ousted the young Pimentel.
“We have already expelled some of them and after a thorough investigation will expel a few more,” he said. He said there is no need to expel the others because they aren’t legitimate party members.
“Because there is a process in joining the party and many of them failed to complete the process,” he said.
He said anyone can go to COMELEC and check officials led by Chairman President Duterte, Vice-chairman Sec Al Cusi, President Sen. Koko Pimentel and Secretary-Gen. Bebot Alvarez.
Some members of PDP-Laban; claiming to be “genuine party members,” elected on Friday their new leaders that included Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Bong Go.
The new PDP-Laban officers are Rogelio Garcia, president; Abbin Dalhani, executive vice- president; Willy Talag, secretary general and Go, auditor.
