Supreme Court Affirms Alfonso Cusi-Led Faction as Official PDP-Laban Leadership

The Supreme Court en banc has ruled in favor of the faction led by Alfonso Cusi and Melvin Matibag, affirming them as the rightful leaders of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban). This decision resolves the longstanding leadership conflict dating back to 2021.

In a comprehensive 25-page ruling issued on July 8, 2025, the Court dismissed the petition filed by former senators Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III and Manny Pacquiao. They contested the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) recognition of the Cusi-headed group.

The Court highlighted that the core issue involved Pimentel’s faction’s claim to be the official representatives of PDP-Laban. It explained, "It is precisely the Pimentel-led faction’s alleged right to be recognized as the true and official members of PDP-Laban that is at the heart of the dispute. Such being the case, granting Pimentel and Pacquiao’s application for injunctive relief would have preempted the Court’s ruling on the principal issue raised in their petition."

The tribunal found no grave abuse of discretion by the Comelec in accepting the petition initiated by Cusi’s group, despite procedural shortcomings. It emphasized the election body's authority to ease procedural rules to promote justice and expedite resolution.

Moreover, the Supreme Court validated the legal capacity of Cusi and Matibag to file their petition with Comelec. It also upheld the election commission’s decisions endorsing the legitimacy of the national council meetings and assembly convened by the Cusi faction, confirming that quorum and procedural requirements were duly met.

Significantly, the Court invalidated the actions taken by the Pimentel-led group to expel Cusi and Matibag and to name Pimentel as acting party chairperson. The ruling clarified that the National Executive Committee of PDP-Laban lacks authority under the party constitution to undertake such actions.

This Supreme Court decision finally settles the leadership contest within PDP-Laban, endorsing the Cusi-led group as the legitimate national party officers.