By Junex Doronio
MANILA — More political leaders were joining the Lakas Christian-Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday, July 13, and no less than former president and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has graced the oath-taking ceremonies of the new members.
FPGMA, who is also Lakas Chairperson Emeritus, has welcomed the three lawmakers and the 18 mayors from Zamboanga del Sur into the new ruling party.
As Lakas-CMD president, Romualdez personally administered the oath of lawmakers Divine Grace Yu (Zamboanga del Sur, First District) and Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo (Lanao del Norte, First District), who both bolted from the PDP-Laban faction of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and former National Unity Party (NUP) Congresswoman Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” Chan (Lapu-Lapu City, Lone District).
Lakas-CMD party’s numbers in the House of Representatives have now increased to 92.
“We are pleased to welcome Reps. Divine Grace Cindi and Khalid to Lakas-CMD. Our shared ideals of service to the people and being responsive to the needs of the country unite us all. Our commitment to supporting President Marcos Jr. and his legislative agenda also binds us,” Romualdez said.
Eighteen mayors from Zamboanga del Sur also took their oath as members of the Lakas-CMD namely: Silvano Zanoria (Aurora), Gerry Paglinawan (Dumingag), Catalino Adapon (Josefina), Manuel Saladaga (Mahayag), Elmer M. Soronio (Midsalip), Cyril Reo Glepa (Molave), Margie A. Machon (Ramon Magsaysay), Johnriel Melo (Sominot), Macario Tingson (Tukura), Avelino Yrauda (Dimataling), Eleazar Asoy (Dinas), Domingo Mirrar (Lakewood), Joel Sulong (Lapuyan), Alejandro Agua III (Margosatubig), James Yecyec (Pitogo), Ex Ocapan (San Miguel), Anthony Dayondon (Tabina), and Eleazar Carcallas (Tigbao).
“We also welcome our new members from Zamboanga del Sur. Let us continue working for the welfare of the Filipino people, for the growth of the Philippine economy, and for the protection of the sovereignty of our country. Sama-sama nating ipakita ang ating pagmamahal sa bayan bilang isang nagkakaisang partido,” the House Speaker from Leyte added.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Social Hall of the Office of the Speaker at Batasan Complex in Quezon City.
Aside from FPGMA, among those who witnessed the “historic event” were House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales, Jr., along with Lakas Secretary General and Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino II.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that the “body language” of FPGMA suggests that despite her perceived closeness with Vice President Sara Duterte, the Pampanga solon will stick it out with Lakas-CMD and will eventually support Romualdez as its party standard bearer in 2028.
(ai/mnm)