Photo credit: PDP Laban

If there was ever a night that set the tone for the political season, PDP-Laban’s proclamation rally at Club Filipino was it. The energy? Off the charts. The punchlines? Sharp. And the message? Loud and clear—Team Duterte is in it to win it.

From Laoag to Club Filipino: A Tale of Two Rallies

Let’s be real. What happened in Laoag was a stark contrast to the electric atmosphere in San Juan City. While one side struggled with delivery (both in jokes and in presence), the other side came in with full force, led by none other than the man of the hour—former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dubbed by Senator Robin Padilla as “ang pinakamagaling na Pangulo,” FPRRD once again stole the show, not just with his signature humor but with a message that struck deep. And yes, while mainstream media will likely focus on his “k*lling” joke about the administration’s senatorial slate, those who get it, get it—it’s classic Duterte wit with a double meaning.

Suka Punchlines Take Over

Now, let’s talk about the real highlight—suka (vinegar).

A few nights ago, President Bongbong Marcos fumbled a scripted joke about suka. Instead of saying, “nautusan lang bumili ng suka,” he said, “nag-deliver lang ng suka.” It wasn’t just a minor slip—it became meme-worthy, a symbol of just how disconnected he is. And when it comes to punchlines, charisma, and comedic timing, let’s just say it’s not his strong suit.

But PDP-Laban saw the opportunity and ran with it.

Former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez didn’t hold back:
“Mas pipiliin ko ang bumibili ng suka kaysa sa isinusuka.”

Ouch. But wait—there’s more.

Atty. Raul Lambino doubled down:
“Titiyakin kong suka ang bibilihin ko at hindi droga.”

Shots fired? More like a direct hit.

Even Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s rep, Atty. Israelito Torreon, had his own vinegar anecdote:
“Dahil sa kahirapan noon, si Pastor Quiboloy po ay gumagawa ng suka.”

The PDP-Laban Heavyweights Take the Stage

Of course, the night wasn’t just about punchlines—it was about solidifying PDP-Laban’s lineup and rallying supporters behind their senatorial bets.

Senator Bato Dela Rosa was, as always, unapologetic in his loyalty to the Dutertes and the war on drugs:

“Bakit nila tayo tinitira? Dahil ba takot sila sa atin? Bakit nila tayo tinitira kung talagang tayo ang insignificant opposition?”

Senator Bong Go played it safe, focusing on Malasakit Centers and service to the people:
“Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo po kami ng pagkakataong magserbisyo sa inyo.”

And then there was actor Philip Salvador—who was surprisingly one of the night’s standout speakers. In full macho mode, he called out the bullying and political persecution against the Dutertes, proving that he wasn’t just there for show.

Duterte Drops the Mic

But the moment everyone was waiting for? FPRRD’s speech.

He didn’t just entertain—he hit where it hurts.
“Iboto natin ‘yung mga kandidato niya (PBBM) kung mas madali maghanap ng trabaho ngayon, kung mas kampante ka maglakad na walang takot ngayon…”

The message was clear. If life was better now, then sure, vote for the administration’s bets. But if not? Well, you know what to do.

And just like that, the crowd erupted into a familiar chant that took everyone back to 2016:
“Pilipinas, Duterte kami!!!”

What’s Next for Team Suka?

Unlike traditional political machinery, what PDP-Laban showcased last night was something that money can’t buy—real, raw support from the masses. The crowd wasn’t just there for a show; they were there because they believed.

One thing’s for sure: this battle is just getting started. And if this rally is any indication, PDP-Laban isn’t backing down anytime soon.

So, is it Team Suka or Sinusuka? The people will decide.