Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte said he would only endorse candidates in the 2025 midterm elections whose primaryfocus is the well-being of the Filipino people.

The former president and current PDP-Laban chairman made this statement in a pre-recorded "Basta Dabawenyo" podcast on Monday with Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte after Senator Francis Tolentino resigned from the party over differences in foreign policy regarding the West Philippine Sea.

In the podcast posted on YouTube, Duterte said it would be fine if others decided to leave the PDP-Laban.

He added that he would back senatorial candidates who can positively impact the country and prioritize the needs of the Filipino people.

“If everyone else leaves, that is fine with me. It would be better for me if all the others ran on the other side. I will consider it if anyone wants to come to me for help. It is about sincerity – not just to me, but to the Filipino people,” he said.

Duterte clarified that he does not need financial contributions or personal connections from senatorial candidates.

He expressed his intention to support candidates who prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people, regardless of their socioeconomic status. He criticized those who profess support for the poor but do not fulfill their responsibilities.

He would not be bothered if other PDP members chose to join another party.

The PDP-Laban party would continue to exist, and if it facedsetbacks, he was prepared to handle the situation on his own.

Inherent duty

In the same podcast, Duterte said that the PDP-Laban would need to assemble a slate of candidates for the 2025 elections as an inherent duty of a political party.

“We will support the remaining members of the party. Moreover, we will set aside a reservation just in case new candidates emerge who wish to run (in the midterm elections),” Duterte said.

He expressed his support for former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson if he decides to run for senator next year. Duterte described Singson as a seasoned politician and a friend.

"In everyday life, his long experience in politics means he understands the Filipino problems that must be addressed (by the government). Graduating cum laude or summa cum laude does not guarantee an understanding of the real issues facing the community,”  Duterte said.

He said he was surprised by Tolentino’s resignation from the PDP-Laban despite the senator informing him of his departure. He praised Tolentino for his honesty, noting that their open discussion was beneficial.

“If you ask me now whether I will support him or not (in the upcoming election) since he left us, I will also part ways with him. I go out to campaign. I don’t think that it would look nice to the PDP you are leaving us, implying you don’t trust us and expect our support,” Duterte said.