MANILA — The appointment of Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte as president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP-Laban) signals that he is the “Plan B” of the Duterte family for the 2028 presidential elections, an opposition lawmaker said.

House Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio of the ACT Teachers party-list made the remark following the mayor’s selection as PDP-Laban president over the weekend.

PDP-Laban is chaired by former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) facility in The Hague, Netherlands since March 2025 over alleged crimes against humanity linked to drug war killings during his administration and his tenure as Davao City mayor.

“Malinaw na may Plan B ang mga Duterte: itong si Baste. Maybe they are anxious that the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President will go on to trial and convict the vicepresident before the Senate impeachment court. So, mauudlot ang kanyang presidential bid dahil kasama ng impeachment or removal from office ay perpetual disqualification from running for public office. Hindi na puwedeng tumakbo,” Tinio told reporters.

Vice President Sara Duterte, Mayor Baste Duterte, and former president Rodrigo Duterte are members of the same family.

Tinio said the leadership change in PDP-Laban is part of preparations for a possible alternative national candidacy in 2028.

“Kaya ngayon pa lang may pinopronta ng Plan B ang mga Duterte at magpapatakbo sila ng isa pang kandidato: si Baste. Kaya siya ginawang presidente ng PDP-Laban, ang they even formed a coalition. This is to give another Duterte a national platform,” he added.

The lawmaker was referring to the Reform Alliance for Good Governance and Accountability (RAGE) Coalition, which was launched by Duterte allies at Club Filipino in San Juan City on Sunday.

He said the recent political movements should be viewed in the context of early election positioning.

“We should see these moves as they are: they are campaigning for 2028,” he said.

Two impeachment complaints have been filed against Vice President Sara Duterte over allegations including betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, and unexplained wealth.

The House Committee on Justice has found the complaints sufficient in form, substance, and grounds and is currently deliberating on probable cause for impeachment.