(Center) House Speaker Martin Romualdez administering the oath of membership of Bukidnon 1st district Rep. Jose Manuel Alba (right) into Lakas-CMD (Speaker’s Office)

Dominant political party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), headed by Speaker Martin Romualdez, continues to swell in number as three more lawmakers joined its fold.

Romualdez, the party president, administered the oath of membership on Monday, Sept. 23, to Zamboanga del Sur 2nd district Rep. Victoria Yu, Iloilo 5th district Rep. Raul Tupas, and Bukidnon 1st district Rep. Jose Manuel Alba.

This brings the total of Lakas-CMD stalwarts in the House of Representatives to 109, or more than one-third of the lower chamber's membership.

“Their affiliation widens support in Congress and the grassroots for President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. and his Agenda for Prosperity and Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) programs,” Romualdez said in a statement.

“I am sure that our new members share our and the President’s aspirations for a better life for our people and a more progressive Philippines,” he added.

Alongside the three representatives, Mayor JB Bernos of La Paz, Abra also took his oath to be a new member of Lakas-CMD. Bernos previously served as Abra lone district congressman for three consecutive terms.

Romualdez earlier said his party would join the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas (Alliance for the New Philippines), the multi-party administration coalition that aims to support candidates for the midterm elections next year.

“In 2025, we are not just fielding candidates - we are shaping the future,” the Speaker said.

“Together, we will represent a broad and inclusive movement that reflects the aspirations of every Filipino across our archipelago,” he emphasized.