Parallel Ideologies

In the discussion, Lito Lorenzana, who is likewise one of the founders of the PDP-Laban along with Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. in the early 80s, articulated the origins of PDP-LABAN as being a genuine and real ideology based political party established during the dark days of the Martial Law regime.

“In CDP, we use Centrist Democracy or CD as an appellation embracing a whole body of values and principles under Christian Democracy – anchored on the core value of human dignity. PDP-Laban’s, center to the left-of-center positions likewise fall within this set of dogma.

“The CDP and the PDP-Laban parallel ideological perspectives have given impetus to analogous political platforms of governance particularly on Federalism and the ascendancy of the Rule of law”, Mr. Lorenzana adds.

In the recent elections, Federalism emerge as a compelling issue that fired the imagination of the electorate specially the peoples in the South, outside the periphery of central authority in Manila. This one single issue among many propelled Rodrigo Duterte to the presidency.

The CDP, headed by its President, Hon. Rufus Rodriguez, supported Duterte and the PDP-Laban’s platform, as this is within the sphere of the CDP’s ideological thrust and set of values.

Centrist Democratic Alliance (CDA)

The discussions centered on the CENTRIST DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE with both political parties joining efforts to support the thrust of the administration of President Duterte with especial emphasis on amending the 1987 Constitution – a signal issue of the campaign.

Initiated by the CDPI it is basically an alliance of political parties with Christian/Centrist Democratic orientation with PDP-Laban and CDP forming its core group. The political institute is envisioned to be an adjunct as its “virtual think tank” handling political education, training of leaders and speakers, doing policy research to input into the Duterte Administration. Other like-minded movements, organizations and political parties will be invited to join in the CDA.

With a positive note, Benito Ranque, Mindanao deputy secretary-general says this alliance can help the PDP-Laban become more relevant in the political scene following the political party’s historical achievement of winning the Presidency.

Mr. Alfonso Cusi, Vice Chairperson of the PDP-Laban intimated that he will precipitate party-wide discussions on the Alliance once he confers with Senator Koko Pimentel.

Identifying the next steps, Atty. Jesus Clint Aranas, National Treasurer of the PDP-Laban opined that “We need to get the influencers and movers into this deal”

The CDPI/CDP staff managing the discussions was headed by the Ms April de la Cruz, Education and Training Director, Candido Aparece, Jr., Political Action Officer and CDP Davao City Chairman, Ms Jeresa Ochave, Researcher, Ryan Rempohito, IT expert, and Migdonio Clamor Jr., former CDPI Executive Director.

Future Talks Ahead

Some members of the PDP-Laban and the CDP were not able to make it to the dinner-meeting at the Lorenzana residence following time constraints; including Senator Koko Pimentel, Cong. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, Secretary General of the PDP-Laban, and the President of the CDP, Hon. Rufus Rodriguez.

“We see this as a good opportunity for the PDP-Laban to grow not only as a relevant political party but as one that will guide the Presidency of Duterte,” Mr. Alfonso Cusi ended with a note.