Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 31) — Presidential son and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte has joined the National Unity Party, one of the party’s officers said Wednesday.
NUP Secretary General Reginal Velasco confirmed Duterte’s membership, adding that the solon’s oathtaking is scheduled next week.
His father, President Rodrigo Duterte, hinted at his son jumping ship on Tuesday.
“Si Pulong, hindi ko na nakikita. Papalit-palit ng partido,” the President said. “Saan siya ngayon? Baka NPA (New People’s Army) na lang siya mas mabuti pa.”
[Translation: I don’t see Pulong anymore. He keeps on changing parties. Where is he now? Maybe he is an NPA now, that would be better.]
Among the current members of the NUP are Capiz 2nd District Rep. Fredenil Castro, as well as Cavite 2nd District Rep. Strike Revilla.
President Duterte, however, chairs the national political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban). The NUP is part of the PDP-Laban-led coalition in the House, and had expressed support for the President’s endorsement of Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano as Speaker.
