SOME 43 local officials with positions ranging from governor to councilors and 13 other individuals today took their oath as new members of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), the biggest political party in Congress and the country.
They were sworn into the ranks of the party by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, president of Lakas-CMD, in simple rites held at the Social Hall of the Speaker’s Office in the House of Representatives Monday afternoon.
“It is with great pride and profound gratitude that I welcome each of you to our growing family,” said Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.
He pointed out that their decision to align with Lakas-CMD reflects their shared commitment to promote inclusive development, preserve the country’s democratic institutions, and uplift the lives of every Filipino, aligned with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for “Bagong Pilipinas.”
“Today, as you take your oath, you are not merely joining a political party—you are becoming part of a movement that has, for decades, been a pillar of strength, unity, and progress in our beloved nation,” Romualdez said.
The bulk of the new members of Lakas-CMD came from Quezon Province.
From the municipality of San Antonio, the new Lakas-CMD members include Mayor Aniano Ariel M. Wagan Jr., Councilors Mario L. Guce, Manolito B. Pentinio, Carlos M. Dimaano, Hedilita A. Masongsong, and Ryan L. Vidal, as well as Edna A. Perez, Eddie M. Estallo Jr., Petronilo U. Tapire, Marvin G. Tapire and Edita M. Pentino,
Mayor Vincent Arjay M. Mea of Tiaong Quezon led other town officials in enlisting to the Lakas-CMD ranks, namely: Vice Mayor Roderick A. Umali, and Councilors Jonas Bryson R. Atienza, Ma. Maja Alexandra E. Landicho, Tomas P. Ilao, Romano P. Castillo Jr., Rex DG. Bautista, Elton Rex B. Baldeo, along with Alvin P. De Villa.
Candelaria, Quezon Councilors Rodante A. Padillo, and Lydelle D. Flores, along with Joy Anne M. Pasumbal, also took their oath as new party members.
From the capital of the province, Lucena City, Councilor Edwin Pureza was among the new entrants from Quezon to the party’s roster.
Sariaya, Quezon officials led by Mayor Marcelo P. Gayeta including Councilors Demia P. Maghirang, Renz Kevin Marcuap and Remo Minerva joined the folds of Lakas-CMD too. They were joined in the oathtaking by other townmates seeking electoral posts in the coming polls, namely Marivic T. Gayeta, Joel N. Cambel, Ryan C. Decena, Jayson M. Obnasca (for Teoderico Dela Pena, Rosalinda Medrano and Alberto Rances.
Mayor Orlan Calayag of Dolores, Quezon led other town officials in the move to enlist in the ranks of Lakas-CMD. He was joined by Vice Mayor Renato Alilio Jr., and Councilors Archie Abrigo, Ma. Aileen Cabrera Corabo, Arturo Bagsit, Arjay Angeles, John Edward Reyes and Eduard Demetrius Bait.
Meanwhile, Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Chua Cua headlined the newest members of the party from the province, which included San Andres Mayor Leo Zafe Mendoza, Viga Mayor Emetrio Manlangit Tarin, Pandan Mayor Raul Eubra Tabirara, San Miguel Mayor Francisco Ted Camano Jr. and Bagamanoc Vice Mayor Juan Arcilla Velchez Jr.
Several members of the Catanduanes Provincial Board also joined Gov. Chua in affiliating with Lakas-CMD, namely: Josevan Alaurin Balidoy, Joselito Tañon Alberto, Dean Roberto Terrazola Vergara, Rafael Creo Zuniega, Robert Aquino Fernandez and Jose Romeo Rubio Francisco.
The party also took in two new members from the province of Albay, namely: Farida Salcedo Co, and Christopher Salcedo Co.
Mayor Ynigo Jesus “Yggy” D. Romualdo of the municipality of in the province of Camiguin was also among the local officials who took their oath as new Lakas-CMD members Monday morning.
