Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte was sworn in as the new president of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in Davao City on Saturday, replacing his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. Rodrigo Duterte is detained at the International Criminal Court facility in The Hague.
In Davao City, Philippines, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte took his oath as the new PDP-Laban president before its vice chairman Al Cusi. Attendees included Sen. Bong Go, former Department of Budget and Management secretary Wendel Avisado, and lawyer Raul Lambino.
The party is expected to support Vice President Sara Duterte's candidacy for president in the 2028 national elections.
Mayor Duterte has also been designated to lead the Reform Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (RAGE) Coalition, launched the previous day in San Juan. The coalition, comprising PDP-Laban, Partido Reporma, and Reform PH, described itself as a “united front” to push for accountability, defend democratic processes, and address urgent national concerns.
“We have to communicate with each other as (a) united front moving in positivism and service for the people. Always remember that whatever happens I am always here for you, Mayor Baste Duterte of Davao City,” Duterte said. The coalition claimed support from “more than 600 parallel groups nationwide.” Signatories to the RAGE manifesto included Go, former lawmakers Pantaleon Alvarez and Mike Defensor, and former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez.
