By Ivy Tejano
RABAT and Duterte (FB)
Former Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat was sworn in as city council president of the Partido ng Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, strengthening the party’s presence in Davao Oriental ahead of the 2028 elections.
Rabat took her oath on Friday, May 22, before PDP-Laban President and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte in a ceremony attended by local party leaders and supporters at Matina Enclaves in Davao City.
Following her induction, Rabat officially aligned herself with PDP-Laban and expressed support for the emerging political plans of Vice President Sara Duterte, including a possible presidential bid in 2028.
According to party officials, the event was part of ongoing efforts to consolidate PDP-backed leadership in Mindanao as political preparations for the next national elections begin to take shape.
Photos from the ceremony showed Rabat with Mayor Duterte and other party members performing the party gesture after her formal acceptance, marking her official entry into the group and showing unity with the party.
Analysts said Rabat’s entry into the PDP-Laban leadership could influence politics in Mati City and nearby areas, especially as discussions about the 2028 presidential race have grown among Duterte supporters.
