Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez Monday welcomed four lawmakers and a mayor to the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), bringing the total party’s strength at the House of Representatives to 86.
Reps. Rosemarie Conejos Panotes (Camarines Norte, 2nd District), Dale Corvera (Agusan del Norte, 2nd District), Lordan Suan (Cagayan de Oro, 1st District), and Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy (Caloocan City, 2nd District), and San Jose Del Monte City Mayor Arturo Robes took their oaths as new Lakas-CMD members before Romualdez, party president and leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.
“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,” the Speaker told the new inductees.
“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.
Romualdez administered the oath-taking in simple rites at the Social Hall of the Office of the Speaker at Batasan Complex in Quezon City, a press release from his office Nov. 21 said.
Panotes, Corvera, Cajayon-Uy, and Robes were former members of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) while Suan was a former member of the Nacionalista Party (NP).
Recently, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Pampanga Rep. Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, Siquijor Rep. Zaldy Villa, Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing, Parañaque City 1st District Rep. Edwin Olivares, Pasay City Lone District Rep. Antonino Calixto, Zamboanga del Norte 2nd District Rep. Glona Labadlabad, and Cebu 2nd District Rep. Eduardo Roa Rama Jr. had also joined the Lakas-CMD.
Gonzales, Lazatin, Villa, Olivares, Calixto, Labadlabad, and Rama were also former members of the PDP-Laban. Suansing was a former NP member.
The event was witnessed by House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe and Agusan Del Norte Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino. ||
