Pangilinan keeps post as LP president

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis Pangilinan will maintain his position as president of the Liberal Party (LP), one of the oldest political parties in the country.

In a statement on Thursday, a meeting of LP National Executive Council (NECO) – which is composed of two hundred elected and non-politician members – approved the mandate and ratified the tenure of LP’s national officers.

While Pangilinan was again designated president of the political party, Senator Franklin Drilon and Teodoro “Teddy” Baguilat Jr. were appointed as vice-chairpersons of LP.

Quezon City 6th District Rep. Kit Belmonte also stayed as secretary-general while Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine “Nene” Ramirez-Sato was designated treasurer.

Former congressman Erin Tañada III became vice president for external affairs while Bolet Banal was named vice-chairperson for the National Standing Commission for Political and Electoral Affairs.

Meanwhile, Provincial Board Member Jason Gonzales of Iloilo was named the party’s director-general.

LP likewise approved Resolution No. NECO-2019-06, which commended LP members in Congress for “upholding liberal values and defending democratic institutions.”

LP lawmakers of the previous Congress were hailed after they authored and sponsored bills that contributed to nation-building.

The bills are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (RA 11310); Magna Carta of the Poor (RA 11291); National Feeding Act (RA 11037); Sagip Saka Act (RA 11321); Free College Tuition Act (RA 10931); 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210); Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act (RA 11148); Mental Health Act (RA 11036); Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines (RA 11232); Ease of Doing Business Act (RA 11032); Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (RA 11038) and Philippine Space Agency Act (RA 11363), among others. /kga