Reelected Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Speaker of the 19th Congress and president of Lakas-CMD, administers the oath of membership to the newest member of the party—Representative Dibu Tuan of the 3rd District of South Cotabato during a simple ceremony held at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Witnessing the event is Quezon 2nd District Rep. David "Jay-jay" Suarez. Courtesy: Office of the Speaker
LAKAS-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), the largest political party in the country and in Congress, continues to expand its ranks with another congressman joining its fold, raising its membership in the House of Representatives in the upcoming 20th Congress to 111.
Reelected Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Speaker of the 19th Congress and president of Lakas-CMD, on Wednesday administered the oath of membership to the newest member of the party—Rep. Dibu Tuan of the 3rd District of South Cotabato.
With this development, Lakas-CMD members now comprise at least one-third of the House of Representatives in the 20th Congress.
In welcoming the party’s new member, Rep. Romualdez expressed confidence his Lakas-CMD party mates share the goals and aspirations of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for a better life for the Filipino people and the realization of a “Bagong Pilipinas.”
He noted that the President has recently embarked on provincial visits to personally ensure that his programs, projects and policies are being properly implemented and that his vision is steadily taking shape on the ground.
“Let us help him accomplish his mission and vision. As members of Congress working alongside barangay leaders and local officials, we serve as his direct link to the people,” he added.
“Let us also continue to support his legislative initiatives, his pro-poor agenda and his economic development roadmap,” he said.
He encouraged the recent addition to the party’s ranks to engage actively and productively with both the party and the 20th Congress.
The affiliation of Reps. Mercado and Tuan with Lakas-CMD followed the recent oath-taking of Reps. Jhong Ceniza of Davao de Oro’s 2nd District, Gerald Galang of the 2nd District of Valenzuela, Leandro Leviste (Independent) of the 1st District of Batangas, Mauricio Domogan (Independent) of the Lone District of Baguio City, John Tracy Cagas (NP) of the Lone District of Davao del Sur, Edwin Crusado (PMP) of Cotabato’s 1st District and Reynaldo Salvacion (Independent) of the Lone District of Marinduque.
Gov. Raul Mabanglo of Davao de Oro has also formally joined Lakas-CMD, bringing the number of governors affiliated with the party to 16.
