House Speaker Martin Romualdez (second from left) administers the oath to Bukidnon 2nd district Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores (second from right) as the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats' (CMD) 71st House member at the Speaker’s office on Tuesday afternoon, May 16. (Speaker's office)
The Speaker Martin Romualdez-led Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party now has 71 members in the House of Representatives. This, after Bukidnon 2nd district Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores took his oath before Romualdez on Tuesday, May 16 at the Speaker's office and officially joined the party's fold. “I thank Cong. Flores for joining the right political party whose commitment is to work towards a better future for our nation. We are honored to welcome you today as the 71st House member of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, a dedicated advocate for positive change,” said Romualdez, party president. Other House officials, including Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe, and Chairperson Emeritus and Pampanga 2nd district Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo witnessed the oath-taking. Arroyo, the senior deputy speaker, is a former Philippine president and Speaker of the House. Romualdez urged the Lakas-CMD members to continue working with the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. for a more inclusive and prosperous future and effect a meaningful difference in addressing various problems besetting the country. “As promised, we continue to grow in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Agenda for Prosperity and socio-economic development roadmap. Let us join together in our drive for meaningful progress in addressing our country's critical issues,” said the Leyte 1st district congressman. The House currently has 311 active members on the roll. This means that Lakas-CMD stalwarts comprise nearly 23 percent of the chamber. Last February, Romualdez administered the oath to South Cotabato 2nd district Rep. Peter Miguel and Laguna 2nd district Rep. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez as the 69th and 70th Lakas-CMD House members, respectively.