DAVAO CITY — Former House Speaker and Davao del Norte First District Representative Pantaleon D. Alvarez has tendered his resignation from the ruling party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-LABAN), and announced he is joining Reporma.
In a press statement, Alvarez thanked PDP-Laban’s President, Senator Aquilino “Koko”Pimentel III, for allowing him to serve as the Secretary-General of PDP-Laban for almost half a decade.
Alvarez said he strongly appreciated the Party’s efforts in bringing to the attention of the nation the importance of empowering local governments as a prerequisite for a strong republic.
This developed as Alvarez revealed he accepted the offer of former Secretary Renato de Villa to lead (as Chairman) and revive Reporma, a non-mainstream Party not affiliated with any personality reportedly seeking the Presidency.
Being with Reporma, which he said is politically neutral, l Alvarez said he can focus on voter’s education campaign “without risking possible backlash against PDP-Laban”.
He thanked PDP-Laban for its support during the 2016 and 2019 elections.
He added that “the Party’s assistance for those campaigns that led to historic electoral victories cannot be understated”.
Alvarez claimed he respectfully sought the understanding of Senator Pimentel as he is constrained to tender his irrevocable resignation from his position and membership in PDP-Laban effective immediately.
Alvarez said he resigned from the Party because he intends to commit and pursue a voter’s education campaign for Filipinos given the importance of the 2022 elections.
‘Unfortunately, serving as a ranking officer and member of PDP-Laban while simultaneously handling this advocacy may be misconstrued by critics as politicking by the Party presently in power, the statement stressed.
Alvarez led the victory PDP-Laban candidates in Davao del Norte during the 2019 elections defeating the candidates of Hugpong ng Pagbabago of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Rodolfo del Rosario Sr. who was once known as the political kingpin of Davao del Norte.
The resignation letter is however silent about President Rodrigo Duterte who is currently serving as chairperson of the party.-Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline.ph
