A DAY after expelling the Al-ag brothers, the dominant local party Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL) also expelled incumbent councilor — Javi Campos, who is gunning for second district representative.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, who is also the HTL secretary general, revealed that Campos "has engaged in secretive activities with another political party known for its anti-people stance and opposition to the interests of Dabawenyos."
The political party that Duterte cited was, however, not disclosed.
He said the councilor's action was a "serious" breach of the party's conduct.
"This section outlines grounds for automatic expulsion for members who assist or collaborate with entities outside of Hugpong without prior approval," Duterte said.
In addition, "his betrayal undermines the trust and commitment that our party stands for, and it jeopardizes our shared mission to promote the welfare of our constituents."
The mayor specified that engaging with the opposing party is a violation of Article 7, Section 6(b) of HTL's bylaws. This is grounds for automatic expulsion.
"The Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod Party (HTLP) values transparency, integrity, and loyalty as the cornerstones of our political principles," said Baste Duterte, son of former president Rodrigo Duterte, one of the party founders.
Days before Campos’ formal expulsion, party member Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr. questioned Campos' loyalty to HTL after photos of him with another party circulated online.
Mahipus said during his privilege speech that this was an opportune time for Campos to inform his fellow party members in Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, as they had seen photographs of him attending a political activity for another party. He noted that speculations had been raised about Campos' loyalty to the party.
The issue arose after a photo was posted on the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Facebook page on September 26, 2024, showing Campos with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Sandro Marcos, and Senator Manny Pacquiao during the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas convention, where several political parties, including Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Lakas-CMD, NPC, NUP, and Nacionalista Party, were represented.
The announcement of Campos' expulsion coincided with his birthday.
He filed his COC on Monday, October 7, 2024, running under PFP.
He is set to succeed his uncle, incumbent Representative Vincent Garcia.
SunStar Davao has reached out to Campos' camp regarding his expulsion, but they declined to comment on the matter.
He, however, revealed in an ambush interview after filing his COC that leaving HTL for PFP was a family decision.
Meanwhile, on October 7, HTL expelled incumbent Third District Councilor Wilberto E. Al-ag and First District Councilor Bernard "Bernie" E. Al-ag.
HTL also expelled Punong Barangay Lilibeth Al-ag of Toril Proper and Bernadette Al-ag of Bangkas Heights for violating Article Seven of their Party Discipline and Loss of Membership, specifically Section Six, which outlines grounds for automatic expulsion.
The Al-ags were expelled after being involved with the Tingog Party-list, a party affiliated by the Marcos administration.
Bernie said he was not surprised by his family member's expulsion from the party for he had long distanced himself after having a fallout with Duterte.
Wilberto, meanwhile, said he is no longer affiliated with HTL and is now running under the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) banner.
He emphasized the lack of support for needy residents, stating that many local congresspersons had no budget to help them. Consequently, they directed constituents to seek assistance from Tingog Partylist, which had the resources to help those in need. RGL