Matibag quits Rodrigo Duterte-chaired PDP-Laban

Lawyer Melvin Matibag resigned as Secretary General of PDP-Laban, the political party chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Matibag, in a letter to Duterte coursed through PDP-Laban National President and Palawan Representative Jose “Pepito” Alvarez, said he was leaving his post grateful to the former President but did not specify the reason for his resignation.

“I am resigning as Secretary-General and as a member of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban). I am forever grateful for the trust and confidence you have bestowed on me as the party's secretary-general,” said Matibag, who briefly served as Cabinet Secretary during the Duterte administration.

“I believe I have shown my loyalty to you as the Chairman by helping to steer the party in the direction you have taken, especially during the national elections of 2019 and 2022. I will always hold dear the opportunities and the experiences I gained in my journey as a member of the party.”

Matibag also apologized for his sudden resignation, but he wished former party-mates well and assured them that he would help in the transition process.

“I apologize for the apparent inopportuneness of my resignation. However, I will always be available to give assistance to ensure a smooth and seamless transfer of my duties and responsibilities,” Matibag said.

“I wish the party leadership well and I hope for PDP Laban's success in the future,” Matibag added.

In September 2022, Duterte said the PDP-Laban fully supported the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. — DVM, GMA Integrated News