Libanan welcomes Gabriela solon Elago into minority bloc's fold
At A Glance
- Women's and children's rights advocate Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago has officially joined the House minority bloc as its 28th member, Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan said on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan (left), Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago (Rep. Libanan’s office)
Women's and children's rights advocate Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago has officially joined the House minority bloc as its 28th member, Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan said on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
“We warmly welcome Congresswoman Elago into the minority bloc, where she can surely help us perform our indispensable functions to promote legislative integrity, uphold accountability, and give voice to alternative viewpoints,” Libanan said in a statement Wednesday.
“A vibrant democracy thrives when the majority’s decisions are tempered by the steady vigilance of an independent minority,” noted the Minority chief.
Elago paid a courtesy call on Libanan on Tuesday, Sept. 23, after formally writing to express her intention to join the minority bloc. She took her oath of office during plenary session earlier that day.
Libanan underscored that Elago’s presence would significantly reinforce the minority’s capacity to engage in legislative work, particularly during committee hearings.
“With only 28 members, every addition to the minority counts. Congresswoman Elago’s experience and dedication will help ensure that we are present and effective in the many committees where important policies are shaped,” Libanan said.
“Her track record of passionate advocacy for women, youth, and marginalized sectors will also enrich the perspectives we bring to legislative debates and strengthen our collective effort to hold government to account,” he added.
A graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Elago, 35, previously served as Kabataan Party-list representative from 2016 to 2022.
Last week, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaimed Elago as the 64th winning party-list representative in the May 2025 mid-term elections.