House Speaker and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) President Martin Romualdez led the mass oath-taking of over 200 new members of the party during an event held Friday, Feb. 16 at Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte.
Sworn in were incumbent and former local officials from Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte. These included board members, mayors, vice-mayors, and councilors.
There are now over 3,000 Lakas-CMD members nationwide, the Speaker’s office told House reporters.
“I’m glad that you are here with us and that you have joined the party...Maraming, maraming salamat (Thank you very much) for your attendance and participation and now your involvement with Lakas,” said Romualdez, who represents Leyte's 1st district in the House of Representatives.
Noting that Lakas-CMD has already produced two of the country’s presidents and is now the dominant political party in the House of Representatives, Romualdez told the new party members that they are “in great company"
And with the party’s growing strength, Romualdez said the party will play a very important role in supporting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s "Prosperity Agenda".
The two former presidents that Romualdez alluded to were the late Fidel V. Ramos and incumbent House Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 2nd district Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Arroyo, who hold the position of Lakas-CMD chairperson emeritus, was in Tagum to witness the event.
Also in attendance was Vice President Sara Duterte, Lakas-CMD's chairperson; and House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe, the party's executive vice president.
Lakas-CMD is already the dominant party in the House of Representatives.