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Speaker Martin Romualdez (2nd from left) administers the oath to Reps. Rosemarie Conejos Panotes (Camarines Norte, 2nd District), Dale B. Corvera (Agusan del Norte, 2nd District), Lordan G. Suan (Cagayan de Oro, 1st District), and Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy (Caloocan, 2nd District) as new Lakas-CMD members. (Speaker’s office)
The biggest political party in the House of Representatives continues to grow in number, as lawmakers depart the previously dominant Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
On Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 21, the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) welcomed in its fold Camarines Norte 2nd district Rep. Rosemarie Conejos Panotes, Agusan del Norte 2nd district Rep. Dale Corvera, Cagayan de Oro 1st district Rep. Lordan Suan, and Caloocan City, 2nd district Rep. Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy.
The addition of the four solons bumped up Lakas-CMD’s total membership to 86.
Panotes, Corvera, and Cajayon-Uy were former members of the PDP-Laban.
Meanwhile, Suan was a former member of the Nacionalista Party (NP).
Lakas-CMD President House Speaker Martin Romualdez presided over the oath-takings of the new members at the Social Hall of Batasan Complex.
“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,” Romualdez 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.
Also present at the oath-taking was San Jose Del Monte City Mayor Arturo Robes. Robes is also a former PDP-Laban stalwart.
Earlier this month, a total of seven solons jumped ship from PDP-Laban to Lakas-CMD.
During the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte, PDP-Laban was estimated to have reached 120 members in the House. Now, they are down to 12 members.
Duterte sits as PDP-Laban national chairman. — Dexter Barro II
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
