The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP Laban) has formally distanced itself from a series of online attacks against former Executive Secretary and 2025 senatorial candidate Atty. Vic Rodriguez. Acting Chairman Alfonso Cusi declared on Wednesday that neither the party nor any of its officers had any involvement in the recent social media exchanges that have stirred speculation of a rift within the broader Duterte political camp.
In an official statement released through the party's verified social media pages, Cusi sought to put to rest any narrative linking PDP Laban to the online controversy, calling such attempts "unfounded."
Party Leadership Clarifies Independence from Social Media Controversy
"PDP Laban has received reports of recent online statements and exchanges involving Atty. Vic Rodriguez. For clarity, neither PDP Laban nor any of its officers has anything to do with the attacks against Atty. Rodriguez, and any attempt to link them to the party is unfounded," Cusi said in the statement issued on April 8, 2026.
The Acting Chairman acknowledged that Rodriguez's relationship with PDP Laban is not in dispute, recalling that the former Executive Secretary was a guest candidate and part of the original Duterte 8 senatorial slate in the 2025 midterm elections. However, Cusi clarified that Rodriguez "remains independent of PDP Laban and does not participate in the party's decision-making processes."
"Any person or group allegedly attacking Atty. Rodriguez is acting independently and without the authority or consent of PDP Laban, and they do not speak for the party," Cusi added.
Recent Face-to-Face Meeting Confirms Cordial Relations
In a notable personal disclosure, the PDP Laban chief also confirmed that he had recently met with Rodriguez face-to-face, saying there was "no basis to manufacture conflict or attribute to PDP Laban any actions that are not ours."
This revelation appears designed to counter speculation that tensions existed between the party leadership and Rodriguez, who has remained one of the most visible figures in the broader Duterte political bloc since leaving the Marcos administration.
Rodriguez's Political Journey and Current Role
Rodriguez served as Executive Secretary and chief of staff to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. during the 2022 campaign before parting ways with the administration. He subsequently ran for senator under the PDP Laban banner in May 2025 as part of the "Duterte 8" slate but was unsuccessful in his Senate bid.
Despite the electoral loss, Rodriguez has remained active in causes championed by Duterte allies, including the socio-political movement Hakbang ng Maisug. This organization has organized prayer rallies and freedom concerts across the country in support of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Alliance with Hakbang ng Maisug Remains Strong
In his statement, Cusi reaffirmed PDP Laban's continuing alliance with various groups that share the party's core advocacies, naming Hakbang ng Maisug specifically among them.
"PDP Laban maintains constructive relations with various groups — including Hakbang ng Maisug — that share key advocacies," the statement read.
This confirmation comes at a time when political observers have been watching for signs of fractures within the Duterte-aligned coalition.
Four-Point Coalition Agenda Unites Duterte Allies
Cusi enumerated the shared advocacies binding the loose Duterte-aligned coalition, outlining a four-point agenda that has become the rallying cry for the movement in 2026:
First, bringing former President Rodrigo Duterte home from The Hague, where he is currently facing proceedings before the International Criminal Court. Second, ensuring accountability in the flood control scandal and broader corruption issues that have dominated national headlines in recent months.
Third, opposing the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, who has faced mounting political pressure from various quarters. Fourth, proactively addressing the oil supply crisis amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East that have affected global energy markets.
These four issues have become the unifying principles drawing together PDP Laban, Hakbang ng Maisug, and other allied movements under a shared political agenda.
Internal Challenges Within Duterte Coalition
The statement comes amid signs of internal strain within the broader Duterte coalition. Rodriguez himself has faced a turbulent recent period, including a disbarment case filed in 2025 over an alleged breach of client confidentiality stemming from revelations in his book.
Additionally, Rodriguez was among several Duterte allies mentioned in news reports last September following the violent Mendiola riots in Manila, although he publicly denied any involvement and Hakbang ng Maisug distanced itself from the unrest.
Party's History of Factional Disputes
PDP Laban itself has long been characterized by internal factional disputes, most notably the 2021 split between the Pacquiao-Pimentel wing and the Cusi-Duterte wing. The latter faction is now widely recognized as the party's dominant group following the Commission on Elections' rulings on intra-party leadership disputes.
This history of internal conflict makes Cusi's current statement particularly significant, as it represents an effort to prevent similar divisions from emerging over the Rodriguez controversy.
Call for Unity and National Focus
Cusi closed his statement with an appeal for restraint, urging supporters and allies to maintain focus on larger objectives rather than allowing internal squabbles to fracture the movement.
"We urge all parties to engage responsibly, avoid unnecessary divisions, and remain focused on addressing the urgent challenges facing our nation and the everyday needs of the Filipino people," the Acting Chairman said.
The statement appears strategically designed to tamp down speculation that PDP Laban and Rodriguez, or PDP Laban and Hakbang ng Maisug, are experiencing significant tensions. This comes at a crucial time when the Duterte political bloc is actively pursuing multiple fronts: defending the Vice President against impeachment proceedings, demanding the former President's return from international proceedings, and pressing for accountability over corruption scandals.
For now, Cusi's message to the party's rank and file is clear: maintain unity, stay focused on core objectives, and avoid allowing manufactured online conflicts to distract from what he characterizes as the bigger political battles ahead.
The controversy highlights the challenges facing political movements in the digital age, where social media disputes can quickly escalate and create the appearance of significant rifts even when party leadership maintains that no real divisions exist.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PDP Laban/Facebook