Senator Robin Padilla has taken a leave of absence from his post as president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to focus on his legislative duties in the upcoming session of Congress.
In an official statement released by the party, it was announced that Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who currently serves as executive vice president, will assume the role of party president.
The succession follows the PDP-Laban’s constitution and rules of hierarchy.
The party’s chairman remains former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague.
Senator Padilla, a first-term lawmaker and one of the most visible figures of PDP-Laban, has not indicated whether his leave is temporary or a precursor to resignation.
Observers are closely watching how this shift in leadership will influence the party’s direction ahead of the next political cycle.
