The National Executive Committee of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) has thrown the party leadership’s support behind House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez’s decision to “keep all his options open,” including a possible vice presidential run, in the 2022 national and local elections.
The Lakas Execom, in a meeting held last Wednesday, unanimously approved a motion from Isabela Rep. Antonio “Tonypet” Albano to support Romualdez, their party president, should the latter decides to run for Vice President in 2022.
“In light of the recent news that there is an endorsement by no less than our beloved President for our Majority Floor Leader to be Vice President, this Representative would like to make a motion to adopt here in the plenary to actually endorse you to whatever position you will undertake in the coming 2022 elections,” Albano said.
Yesterday, Romualdez revealed that the Lakas-CMD has decided to renew its formal alliance with the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) headed by probable 2022 presidential candidate Davao city Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Romualdez said former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, president party emeritus, has been consulted and is supportive of the decision.
The Albano motion was duly seconded by Representatives Manuel “Way Kurat” Zamora (Davao de Oro), Roger Mercado (Southern Leyte), and Lorna Bautista-Bantigan (Davao Occidental).
Both Zamora and Bantigan are also members of Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago.
Mercado is Lakas Vice President for External Affairs.
The motion was approved unanimously by all members of the Lakas-CMD Executive Committee, the party’s highest policy-making organ, led by party chairman Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
In the same meeting, the Lakas national party officials also adopted a resolution that authorizes Romualdez to sign the renewal of their alliance agreement with the HNP for the 2022 national and local elections.
Romualdez explained that the alliance agreement would bind the two parties to support whoever they decide to field as candidate for President in next year’s election.
“If Mayor Sara Duterte decides to seek higher office for 2022, we are ready to work for her victory in the coming election,” Romualdez said as he underscored the importance of stronger cooperation of political parties in ensuring the preservation of the country’s democratic processes, including the conduct of peaceful and orderly elections.
The Lakas-CMD previously signed an alliance agreement with HNP on November 7, 2018, which paved the way for their partnership in the 2019 national and local elections.
“The 2022 election will see both parties working together once more for the common good but this time, hopefully, with more political parties on board,” Romualdez said.