MANILA, Philippines, Nov 14, (Agencies): Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's reign witnessed the pinnacle of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) party, boasting an estimated membership of 120 in the House of Representatives. However, the once-dominant party is now grappling with a staggering decline, holding only around 10 percent of its former strength.

Surigao del Sur 2nd district Rep Johnny Pimentel, a seasoned stalwart of PDP-Laban, conveyed the party's diminishing status to House reporters on Tuesday, Nov 14. Pimentel, acknowledging the dwindling numbers, revealed that only 15 members remain with PDP-Laban, and he is contemplating his own departure, following the footsteps of numerous ex-party-mates.

While enumerating the 15 remaining PDP-Laban stalwarts, Pimentel disclosed the names of Reps. Jose Alvarez, Eric Martinez, Ara Kho, Richard Kho, Tonton Kho, Carl Cari, Joel Sacdalan, Rose Panotes, Dale Corvera, Khalid Dimaporo, Ysabel Zamora, Mitch Cajayon Uy, Divine Yu, and Ruwel Gonzaga. Despite being part of this diminishing group, Pimentel admitted considering a shift to another political party.

Expressing concern for PDP-Laban's future, Pimentel anticipates that, in the near future, only four to five members may remain associated with the party in Congress. The exodus from PDP-Laban, according to Pimentel, is linked to accusations against Congress, particularly when the former president labeled it a "rotten institution." Members, he explained, felt compelled to defend the institution's dignity, leading to a disconnect between their roles in the House and their allegiance to PDP-Laban.

Pimentel highlighted a perceptible shift in PDP-Laban's direction, prompting members to seek alignment with other parties. As he put it, "The other members deemed it prudent to transfer to other parties because we can’t serve two masters." PDP-Laban, which commenced the 19th Congress in July 2022 with 65 members, now faces internal dissent and a significant loss of political influence.