Photo courtesy of Politiko
By Amado Inigo
MANILA — Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), a prominent political party, officially released a press statement on Friday expressing their deep appreciation to Vice President Sara Duterte for her “invaluable contributions” and her instrumental role in establishing a unifying team during the recent national elections.
In the press statement, issued by the party’s Secretary-General, Congressman Joboy Aquino, Lakas-CMD acknowledged Vice President Duterte’s significant efforts as Party Chair and her dedication to forming a Unity Team aimed at bringing about meaningful change in Philippine society.
“We, the members of Lakas-CMD, would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Vice President Sara Duterte for her valuable contributions as Party Chair and for her unwavering commitment to helping us build a Unity Team dedicated to fostering positive transformations within our nation,” the statement read.
The party further recognized and respected Vice President Duterte’s decision to step down from her position within the political party, understanding the reasons behind her choice.
Additionally, the statement emphasized Lakas-CMD’s full support for her appeal to all political leaders to unite and rally behind President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. It stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the success of the current administration, which will ultimately benefit the Filipino people.
“We remain firmly committed to our shared vision that a united country is vital in uplifting our fellow countrymen from poverty and securing a brighter future for future generations,” the statement added. It was published on the official website of the House of Representatives.
While Speaker Martin Romualdez holds the position of party president, Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo serves as the President Emeritus of Lakas-CMD.
Lakas-CMD, also known as Lakas, is a political party in the Philippines that aligns itself with the center-right of the political spectrum. Influenced by Christian democracy and Islamic democracy, it was founded by Fidel V. Ramos and former senator and foreign affairs secretary Raul Manglapus.
Earlier today, on May 19, 2023, Vice President Sara Duterte formally resigned from her role as the party’s chairwoman.
“I hereby announce my irrevocable resignation as a member of Lakas-CMD, effective today. I am grateful to all the party members for their support, which has demonstrated that unity is achievable in pursuing our shared aspirations for our fellow Filipinos and our beloved country,” Duterte stated in an early morning Facebook post.
While she did not provide a specific reason for her resignation, the country’s second-highest official expressed her desire to ensure that her service remains unaffected by political power plays.
“I am here today because of the trust bestowed upon me by the Filipino people to lead and serve them and our nation, and this trust should not be tainted by political toxicity or undermined by reprehensible power plays,” Duterte emphasized.
Despite her decision to step down from her party position, Duterte reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to serving the Filipino people.
“Nothing is more important to me than meaningfully serving our fellow Filipinos and the Philippines, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leading the way. Rest assured that my word and commitment are unchanging,” she concluded.
In addition to her role as Vice President, Duterte concurrently serves as the chief of the Department of Education and co-vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
(Amado Inigo/MTVN)
