Iligan City lone district Rep. Celso Regencia has become the 67th member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) in the House of Representatives.
This, after Regencia and three others were sworn in as new members of the party Monday afternoon, Dec. 5 by House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Romualdez serves as Lakas-CMD president.
Joining Regencia in the a simple oathtaking ceremony at the House were Aklan Governor Jose Enrique "Joen" Miraflores; his father, former governor Florencio "Joeben" Miraflores, and Pampanga Board Member Alyssa Michaela "Mica" Mercado Gonzales.
Former President-turned Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Lakas-CMD president emeritus, witnessed the event. Arroyo is Pampanga 2nd district congresswoman.
Romualdez said he is happy that the four local officials decided to join the party, which he heads.
“We are looking forward to an enjoyable and productive interaction, engagement and camaraderie with them,” said the representative from Leyte’s 1st district.
Regencia is the 67th Lakas-CMD member in the 312-strong House.
Before joining Lakas-CMD, Regencia; Governor Miraflores, and his father were members of
Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban). Gonzales, on the other hand, was affiliated with the local political group Kambilan.
Gonzales topped last year’s election for Sangguniang Panglalawigan members in the province’s third district, which his father, Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., represents in Congress.
Last month, local officials from Albay took their oath before Romualdez as party members.