Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said Saturday his call for a national council assembly of ruling party PDP-Laban on Monday is meant to show support for President Rodrigo Duterte and his programs as his term nears its end.
In a statement, Cusi, the party vice chair, said the meeting in Cebu City also aims to consult with members on "how to support the President’s agenda as he enters his last year in office."
Pacquiao said calling for the party's national assembly must be approved by its chairman, President Rodrigo Duterte, and him as party president. "The composition of the PDP-Laban National Council shows that it is a body where fruitful and effective exchanges can be made. This is particularly important in the light of our collective effort in response to the COVID-19 pandemic," he explained.
While he and Pacquiao were again on divergent paths on party affairs, Cusi said PDP-Laban remains united, noting that those who wanted to boycott the event is only a "minority."