By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Barely a year before the 2025 midterm elections, the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) has further fortified its strength as the biggest party in the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, with no less than popular actress-singer Karla Estrada, mother of prominent young actor Daniel Padilla, joining its fold.

Also taking their oath as members of Lakas-CMD before its president Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday night (7 May 2024), swelling the ruling party’s membership in the chamber to 100, were Reps. Ching Bernos of the Lone District of Abra, Kristine Tutor of the 3rd District of Bohol and Julienne “Jam” Baronda of the Lone District of Iloilo City.

“Together we can leverage Lakas-CMD’s significant representation in the House of Representatives and extensive membership nationwide to address the pressing issues facing our nation and advance policies that promote inclusive growth and prosperity for all,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez administered the oath as new Lakas-CMD members to Bernos and Tutor during simple rites held at the Speaker’s Office in the House of Representatives.

He welcomed the new party members as he expressed confidence they would provide meaningful contributions to advance the ideals of Lakas-CMD, citing their dedication to public service.

Bernos and Tutor were both from the Nacionalista Party (NP) while Baronda was a member of the National Unity Party (NUP).

“In partnership with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., we will work tirelessly to fulfill our shared goals of nation-building and progress,” Romualdez quipped.

It can be recalled that last March 18, three solons from the Visayas also decided to leave their respective parties to join the ranks of Lakas-CMD, namely Leyte 5th District Rep. Carl Nicolas C. Cari, Samar 2nd District Rep. Reynolds Michael Tan, and Cebu 1st District Rep. Rhea Mae Gullas.

Cari came from the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), while Tan and Gullas were from the Nacionalista Party.

On January 30 this year, two other members of the House joined Lakas-CMD, namely La Union 2nd District Rep. Dante Garcia and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janet Garin.

Garcia was formerly a member of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), while Garin was from the ranks of the NUP.

(el Amigo/MNM)