Four lawmakers on Monday joined Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), bringing the total strength of the party at the House of Representatives to 82.
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. took their oath as new Lakas-CMD members before Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, president and leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.
The oath-taking ceremony was administered by Romualdez in a simple rite held at the Social Hall of the Office of the Speaker in Batasan Complex, Quezon City.
“We are elated to welcome these exceptional individuals into the Lakas-CMD family. Thank you for aligning with us as your entry will infuse fresh perspectives to further strengthen the Lakas-CMD’s commitment to nation-building under President (Ferdinand) Marcos’ administration to champion people’s welfare and interests,” Romualdez said.
Zamboanga del Norte 1st District Rep. Roberto “Pinpin” Uy, a Lakas-CMD member even before his proclamation, is now part of the 82 lawmakers-member of the party.
Uy officially took his oath as congressman before Romualdez at the Plenary Hall of the House of Representatives Monday.
Olivares, Calixto, Labadlabad, and Rama were former members of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
Also on Monday, Pasay City Vice Mayor Waltrudes “Ding” Del Rosario joined Lakas-CMD.
On November 8, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Reps. Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II of Pampanga and Zaldy Villa of Siquijor joined Lakas-CMD, the three were also former members of PDP-Laban.
Last Tuesday, the Speaker administered the oath to Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing as Lakas-CMD member which was witnessed by House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe of Zamboanga City and Agusan Del Norte Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino.
Meanwhile, Romualdez said he was informed by the communications team of the Office of the Speaker that his official social media accounts have recently been subjected to unauthorized access by unknown individuals.
“We are taking this matter very seriously and are currently working with the relevant authorities to investigate this breach. I urge everyone to remain cautious and vigilant about any unusual activity or communications that may appear to be from me or my office during this time. Rest assured, we are committed to resolving this issue promptly and ensuring the security of our digital platforms,” he added.*
