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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte attends the National Assembly of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino - Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) at Royce Hotel in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga on July 17, 2021. KARL ALONZO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte urged Saturday the officials and members of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to remain focused on their mission to uplift the lives of Filipinos as the country grapples with the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Let us not be blinded by our own ambitions and let us not allow this party to be used to advance personal interests," President Duterte said in a speech during the National Assembly of PDP-Laban in Clark, Pampanga.

"Considering the magnitude of the responsibility that awaits the next batch of the elected officials in 2022 elections, we must remain focused on how to continue the reforms that we have instituted in the last five years."

He encouraged his party mates not to lose sight of the founding principles upon which PDP-Laban was built on, and not to forget the party's end goal of improving welfare of the Filipino people.

Everyone must always keep in mind that it is only through a united front that PDP-Laban can achieve its objectives and lead the nation towards lasting progress, he said.

The President also expressed his gratitude to his partymates for answering the call to convene the party's National Assembly.

Their presence, he said, sends a clear and resounding message to everyone that the Party is as strong as ever and the members are united in further consolidating their ranks until the end of his term and beyond.

"Despite all the challenges that we are facing, your unwavering support for this administration's priorities—especially our campaign against illegal drugs, terrorism, corruption, and poverty—is truly reassuring," he stressed.

"I am grateful for PDP Laban's continued trust and confidence in my leadership. I also deeply appreciate your commitment to support whatever my decision may be for the 2022 National Elections."

PDP-Laban gained new momentum when President Duterte was elected president in 2016. The party has grown big as more members come in, with the President saying PDP-Laban can now compete with other national parties.

President Duterte threw his support to party members running for reelection, vowing to campaign for them for next year's election.

"Totoo 'yan. Kayong mga nagtatakbo, I will — I commit to you. Talagang pupunta ako city por city, province por province, kakampanya ko kayo," he said.

The PDP was officially launched on February 6, 1982 during its founding convention in Cebu City. On July 1982, Laban party coalesced with PDP, making PDP-Laban a national party. PND

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