AROUND 7,000 local government officials across Northern Mindanao region were sworn in as members of the administration party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) Saturday, January 27.
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Mayor Oscar Moreno bolted the Liberal Party (LP) and led city officials as they were sworn into the party by Senate President Aquilino Martin "Koko" Pimentel III.
Other new PDP-Laban members are Vice Mayor Joaquin Uy, and councilors Zaldy Ocon, Jay Pascual, George Goking, Reuben Roa Daba, Ma. Lorudes Gaane, Romeo Calizo.
Councilor Teodulfo Lao Jr., a former Centrist Democratic Party member, is also now a PDP-Laban member as well as former Padayon Pilipino members councilors Suzzette Magtajas-Daba, Annie Daba, Ian Mark Nacaya, and Edna Dahino.
Misamis Oriental Mayors Angelo Capistrano Jr. of Salay town, Mildred Mondigo of Subongcogon, Donato Chan of Medina, Aaron Unabia of Balingoan, and Marrieta Abogado of Balingasag town were also sworn in.
Pimentel was with his partner Kathryn Yu, Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, and Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corporation (Phividec) Industrial Authority administrator Franklin Quijano.
Pimentel said he was happy to see many flocking to the party which his father, former senator Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel Jr, founded.
"PDP is a principled party, not just a party of convenience. Party discipline is important, especially our President's campaign against illegal drugs, corruption, and federalism," Pimentel told the crowd at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP).
"The party has an ideology, and it's important that you understand our principles because this is what binds us. If you don't believe for instance in federalism, what's the point of joining our party?" Pimentel said.
The 54-year-old Senate president said the deadline in accepting new members will only be until next month,even as he urged the local officials who are present to prepare for the next elections.
"We must only choose those who are deserving, not because he or she is rich, but because he holds the party principles," he added.