FILE PHOTO: House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Photo from the official website of House of Representatives / congress.gov.ph
MANILA, Philippines — Members of Lakas-CMD in the House of Representatives swelled to 86 after four more lawmakers joined the political party of key officials, including Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez himself.
In a statement on Tuesday, Romualdez confirmed that the following lawmakers have moved to Lakas-CMD:
- Camarines 2nd District Rep. Rosemarie Panotes
- Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Dale Corvera
- Cagayan de Oro 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan
- Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy
Meanwhile, San Jose Del Monte City Mayor Arturo Robes also took his oath as a Lakas-CMD member earlier.
Romualdez, who administered the oath to the lawmakers, said they are delighted with having the new members among their ranks.
“Our heartfelt welcome to our new members. We are delighted and excited to have you on board. With your exceptional skills, experience, and dedication, we look forward to the unique contributions and perspectives you will bring to Lakas-CMD to help the Marcos administration champion people’s interests,” he said.
“Your commitment to serving the Filipino people will play a major role in the continued success of Lakas-CMD and positively impact our constituents nationwide. We will support and take care of you, and please do not hesitate to reach out to the party leadership,” he added.
Panotes, Corvera, Cajayon-Uy, and Mayor Robes were former members of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) while Suan was from the Nacionalista Party (NP).
The four lawmakers’ decision to join Lakas-CMD is the latest in a string of movements towards the said party. Last November 13, Pasay City Rep. Antonino Calixto, Cebu 2nd District Rep. Eduardo Rama Jr., Parañaque City 1st District Rep. Edwin Olivares, and Zamboanga del Norte 2nd District Rep. Glona Labadlabad were sworn in as new Lakas-CMD members.
Then last November 8, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Suansing, Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin, and Siquijor Rep. Zaldy Villa moved to the said party.