Two more congressmen have joined the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), the country’s largest political party, increasing its House of Representatives membership to 110.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president, administered the oath of office to Representatives Jhong Ceniza of Davao de Oro’s 2nd District and Gerald Galang of Valenzuela’s 2nd District.
Also taking the oath before Romualdez was Davao de Oro Governor Raul Mabanglo, bringing the number of incumbent provincial governors affiliated with Lakas-CMD to 16.
Before joining the party, Ceniza and Mabanglo, along with Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Oyo Uy, Cagayan de Oro 3rd District Representative Jojo Lara, and Laak, Davao de Oro Mayor Mark Anthony Libuangan, also took their oath of office, administered by Romualdez.
Romualdez welcomed the new members, saying their affiliation signaled support for the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Your decision to join us means that you share our collective aspiration and the goal of President Marcos to improve the lives of our constituents,” he said.
“As we grow in numbers, we strengthen support in Congress and in our communities for the President’s legislative agenda and Bagong Pilipinas vision.”
The addition of two more congressmen further consolidates support for Romualdez’s continued leadership of the House in the incoming 20th Congress.
Their oath-taking follows the recent decision of five other lawmakers—Leandro Leviste (Independent, Batangas 1st District), Mauricio Domogan (Independent, Baguio City Lone District), John Tracy Cagas (NP, Davao del Sur Lone District), Edwin Crusado (PMP, Cotabato 1st District), and Reynaldo Salvacion (Independent, Marinduque Lone District)—to also join Lakas-CMD.
Deputy Speaker and Quezon Representative David Suarez said Speaker Romualdez now commands a “supermajority” of at least 285 House members.
