Pagtibayin at Palaguin ang Pangkabuhayang Pilipino (4Ps) Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has been elected the House minority leader of the 19th Congress.
Shortly after the House of Representatives adjourned its first session Monday, July 25, Libanan was elected by representatives who–during the election of House Speaker Martin Romualdez–either abstained, declined to vote, or dissented.
Read: https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/25/sole-nominee-romualdez-wins-speakership/
“I’d like to thank the members of the Majority and, of course, the members of the Minority for an orderly proceeding yesterday, that we were able to elect the minority leader in this humble representation,” Libanan said in his acceptance speech before the plenary at the Batasang Pambansa Complex on Tuesday, July 26.
“I oath to deliver my response to the SONA of the President later but for now I would like to thank all my dear colleagues in the minority and the all of the congressmen and congresswomen in this August chamber. Rest assured that we will perform our task as a responsible minority of this August chamber,” Libanan added.
In total, four lawmakers abstained from the vote, 22 did not participate, while one outright dissented.
Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza, the one who announced Libanan's election on the floor Tuesday, said 25 lawmakers unanimously voted for Libanan to lead the minority.
Libanan has served three terms in congress: from 1998 to 2007 or during the 11th, 12th, 13th Congresses. He once served as chairman of the House Committee on Justice.
On the other hand, Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Manuel Dalipe was elected as the majority leader.
Read: https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/25/gma-leads-handful-of-new-house-deputy-speakers/