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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House minority bloc formed; did the Dutertes sign up?

House minority bloc formed; did the Dutertes sign up?

Published Jul 6, 2025 12:54 pm  |  Updated Jul 6, 2025 01:38 pm

At A Glance

  • The new minority bloc in the House of Representatives has organized itself ahead of the first session day of the 20th Congress on July 28, and it appears that 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Nonoy Libanan will retain his leadership of the fiscalizer faction.
The new House minority bloc in the 20th Congress, to be led by 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Nonoy Libanan (center) (Contributed photo)
The new House minority bloc in the 20th Congress, to be led by 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Nonoy Libanan (center) (Contributed photo)


The new minority bloc in the House of Representatives has organized itself ahead of the first session day of the 20th Congress on July 28, and it appears that 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Nonoy Libanan will retain his leadership of the fiscalizer faction.
In a joint manifesto of support, 26 House members endorsed Libanan as minority leader, and cited his “unwavering integrity, proven legislative competence, and steadfast commitment to public service” as key reasons for their endorsement.
The House members who issued the manifesto include 11 first-termers, including Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list representative and former senator Leila de Lima. Six comebacking representatives and nine reelected solons are also backing Libanan.
They emphasized Libanan’s extensive experience across both the legislative and executive branches of government, and said he “embodies the values of transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance –principles essential to a strong and responsible minority bloc.
“With confidence in his ability to lead with honor, wisdom, and dedication,” the manifesto declared, “We affirm our collective support for Rep. Libanan as minority leader.”

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false>false>false>false>false>false>A statement released by Libanan’s office Sunday, July 6 says the endorsement ''reflects the shared commitment to building a dynamic, independent minority bloc – one that will hold the majority to account while championing the interests of the Filipino people''.
A lawyer by profession, Libanan previously served for nine years as the representative of the lone congressional district of Eastern Samar, during which he also chaired the House committee on justice.
Elected as 4Ps representative in 2022, Libanan went on to become the House minority leader in the 19th Congress, where he earned recognition for his principled leadership, constructive opposition, and advocacy of progressive yet balanced reforms.

Minority bloc members
The 11 first-term House members endorsing Libanan are: Rep. Jose Manuel Diokno (Akbayan), Rep. Leila De Lima (Mamayang Liberal), Rep. Audrey Zubiri (3rd district, Bukidnon), Rep. Renee Louise Co (Kabataan), Rep. Niko Raul Daza (1st district, Northern Samar), Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula (Akbayan), Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales (lone district, Eastern Samar), Rep. Roberto Gerard Nazal Jr. (Bagong Henerasyon), Rep. Elijah San Fernando (Kamanggagawa), Rep. Jan Rurik Padiernos (Galing sa Puso), and Rep. Mary Girlie Veloso (Malasakit at Bayanihan).
The six comebacking House members supporting Libanan are: Rep. Edgar Erice (2nd district, Caloocan City), Rep. Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro (1st district, Albay),Rep. Arlene Bag-ao (lone district, Dinagat Islands), Rep. Jesus Suntay (4th district, Quezon City), Rep. Antonio Tinio (ACT-Teachers), and Rep. Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro).
Erice, Lagman-Luistro, and Bag-ao are prominent members of the Liberal Party (LP).
The nine reelected House members backing Libanan are: Rep. Percival Cendaña (Akbayan) Rep. Richard Gomez (4th district, Leyte), Rep. Stephen James Tan (1st district, Samar), Rep. Reynolds Michael Tan (2nd District, Samar), Rep. Allan Ty (LPGMA), Rep. Sergio Dagooc (APEC),Rep. Presley De Jesus (PHILRECA), Rep. Jernie Jett Nisay (Pusong Pinoy), and Rep. Jonathan Clement Abalos II (4Ps).
Where are the Dutertes?
Notably, none of the three Duterte family members in the House in the 20th Congress signed the manifesto of support for Libanan. 
These are Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte, brother of Vice President Sara Duterte; his son, Davao City 2nd district Rep. Omar Duterte; and his cousin, PPP Party-list Rep. Harold Duterte.
The Dutertes--the partriach of which is former president Rodrigo Duterte--are critics of the Marcos administration.
The minority leader is the acknowledged spokesman of the minority bloc, which may be composed of one or more political groups.
Like the majority leader, the minority leader is elected in a caucus of all members of the House in the minority. He is an ex-officio member of all standing committees.
The presumptive Speaker of 20th Congress--the supporters of which will comprise the majority bloc--is Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez.
There are a total of 317 House members in the 20th Congress. They wil first convene on July 28, when President Marcos delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
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