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Lakas-CMD continues to beef up ranks

By Jose Cielito Reganit

September 3, 2019, 7:01 pm

<p>Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez</p>

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez

MANILA -- The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) is continuing to boost its ranks in the House of Representatives with the addition of two congressmen as new members and the signing of five party-list lawmakers as allies of the once-ruling party.

This was announced by House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez Tuesday following the oath-taking of Deputy Majority Leader and Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Wilter “Sharky” Wee Palma II and Catanduanes Rep. Hector Sanchez Monday night at former president and speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s residence at La Vista Subdivision in Quezon City.

“Lakas-CMD is open for new members and we will continue to strengthen our political influence nationwide,” said Romualdez, the party president, stressing that it is normal for any political party to solidify and work on building its dominance.

Palma, who bolted from the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), cited the Lakas-CMD’s reform, concrete achievements, and proven capacity to lead the political arena on his decision to join the party.

“I feel at home here, especially with the competent leadership of House Majority Leader Romualdez,” Palma said.

Sanchez, an independent ex-governor who was a former member of Lakas-National Union of Christian Democrats (Lakas-NUCD) more than two decades ago, cited the “coherent and workable” leadership of Romualdez for its members in returning to his previous political party.

In the same event, Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt Romualdez, Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor, Ako Bisaya party-list Rep. Sonny Lagon, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin, and Alona party-list Rep. Ana Marie Villaraza-Suarez were declared “Lakas-CMD allies” after signing the “Declaration of Alliance for Unity and Progress” with the party to further support the legislative agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte and Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

“We are Lakas-CMD allies with shared objectives to support the President’s programs and his legislative agenda as well as that of the House leadership under Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano,” Defensor said.

Meanwhile, Lagon said they will “continue to work on achieving the national development and reform agenda which will enhance the quality of life of our people.”

With the development, Lakas-CMD has now 13 members and five allies in the House of Representatives, a big boost from the two members it had in the previous 17th Congress.

Just last month, Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro, a former House Majority Leader, and Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles joined Lakas-CMD. (PNA)

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