TACLOBAN CITY – Despite supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the May 9, 2022 elections, both Samar representatives preferred to join the minority bloc in House of Representatives.
In a joint statement Tuesday, July 26, Samar Reps. Stephen James Tan and Reynolds Michael Tan said their decision aims to continue the legacy of former Representative now Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan-delos Santos.
Gov. Tan served as the deputy minority leader during the 18th Congress.
They pointed out that their membership in the minority bloc should not be taken to mean that they have joined the opposition.
"We supported them (President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio) even before they were elected and we shall continue to support them throughout their tenure as president and vice president," the solons said.
They added that their membership in the minority bloc would ensure that the concerns of the people of Samar will not be drowned out by the overwhelming number of voices in the majority.
"Through the minority, we will have a platform from which we can speak for the people of Samar and ensure that the people’s hopes and dreams are heard by the House leadership. Through this smaller stage, we can reach a wider audience."