THE Durano family and their allies in the fifth district of Cebu will not join PDP-Laban because they already have Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud), a local party registered with the Commission on Elections.
In a special meeting yesterday, Bakud issued a resolution supporting President Rodrigo Duterte’s agenda, specifically the latter’s campaign against illegal drugs, its promotion of the federal form of government and its efforts to eradicate nationwide criminality and to abolish corruption in all levels of government.
Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III is a second cousin of President Duterte.
Bakud secretary general Adano Roble, Bakud chairman Nito Durano, and Bakud president Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI (fifth district) have all signed the resolution.
As public servants, Bakud members are duty-bound to serve President Duterte’s administrative agenda, provided it is not contrary to the Constitution, read the resolution.
A copy of the resolution was furnished to Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino.
In an interview, Congressman Durano said that Bakud may coalesce with PDP-Laban to promote Duterte’s administrative agenda.
Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, a Bakud member, said that it’s the usual practice for a local party to align itself with the ruling party.
“We automatically follow whatever chosen alliance of our officers. The fifth district is really a command vote,” she said.
Bakud’s support is a welcome development for Cebuanos, said PDP-Laban Cebu Province president Nixon Dizon.
“Individuals and parties who want to support the Ppresident are welcome to the party,” Bisaya na Pud co-founder and president Mike Pato quoted Dizon.