Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) President and Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez administered the oath of Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) President and Davao Occidental lone district Rep. Claude Bautista; and Pangasinan 3rd district Rep. Rachel Arenas as the two joined Lakas-CMD.
"It is indeed a great honor and pleasure to welcome Congressman Claude and Congresswoman Arenas. Thank you for joining Lakas-CMD. Lakas-CMD is a solid ally of President Bongbong Marcos who received unprecedented mandate, trust, and confidence from the people" Romualdez said during the oath-taking on July 12.
Vice President Sara Duterte was present to witness the two lawmakers get sworn in before Romualdez in Makati City on Tuesday, July 12.
“Isang malaking karangalan para sa akin ang makadalo ngayong hapon sa oath-taking nina Davao Occidental Governor Claude Bautista at former MTRCB Chair Maria Rachel Arenas bilang mga bagong kaalyado ng Lakas-CMD (It is an honor for me to attend the oath-taking of Davao Occidental Governor Bautista and former MTRCB Chair Arenas as allies of Lakas-CMD),” Duterte said during the ceremony.
Duterte is currently the chairwoman to both Lakas-CMD and the HNP. She was one of the founders of the HNP when it launched in 2018.
Romualdez and Bautista both shared the mantle of campaign manager to Duterte’s vice presidential bid in the May 2022 polls.
Read more here: https://mb.com.ph/2022/06/15/vp-elect-duterte-tells-funny-story-about-romualdezs-dedication-as-her-campaign-manager/
Despite taking oath for Lakas-CMD, Bautista will remain HNP President.
With the two new Lakas-CMD members, there are now 57 lawmakers aligned with the party in the 19th Congress.