House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

Seventy-three members in the House of Representatives and counting. 

Speaker Martin Romualdez's party, the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), have welcomed two new House members into its fold, namely Laguna’s 1st district Rep. Ma. Rene Ann Matibag and 3rd district Rep. Loreto "Amben" Amante. 

This bolstered the number of Lakas-CMD stalwarts in the lower chamber to 73, and further cemented its tag as the largest political party there. 

Aside from Matibag and Amante, Liliw Mayor Ildefonso Monleon and Calauan Mayor Roseller Caratihan--both from Laguna--have also aligned themselves with the party's values and principles. 

The oath-taking ceremony of the new members, administered by party president Romualdez, took place at Batasan Complex in Quezon City last Wednesday, Sept. 27. 

“Our party is a coalition of dedicated public servants who share a common goal – to serve the Filipino people with integrity and dedication. With the addition of Reps. Ma. Rene Ann Matibag and Loreto Amante, along with Mayors Ildefonso Monleon and Roseller Caratihan, we are not only growing in numbers but in strength and diversity,”said Romualdez, the leader of the 310-strong House of Representatives. 

The House chief and Leyte 1st district congressman noted that Matibag and Amante bring extensive experience and dedication to the party, having served their respective districts with distinction. 

He said that their decision to join Lakas-CMD serves as a testament to the party's renowned track record of effective leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Filipino people. 

“Lakas-CMD remains steadfast in its dedication to nation-building and looks forward to the contributions of these new members in shaping the future of the Philippines. With unity, diversity, and shared values as its cornerstones, Lakas-CMD is poised to continue its legacy of service to the nation,” Romualdez said.