House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has administered the oath to 17 new members of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) from Basilan province as the party gears to strengthen its ranks for the 2022 national and local elections.
“We welcome our new party members with pride and confidence that they exude the leadership and character that Lakas-CMD advocates for. We are the first party in the Philippines that gave honor and recognition to our Muslim brothers,” the lawyer from the University of the Philippines said.
“Our 17 new members from Basilan will be gunning for various local positions, such as governor, mayor, and councilors in the next election, and we thank them for trusting in the support and mentorship that Lakas could give them,” Romualdez said.
“While we continue to attract new members and consolidate our forces, we will not forget our true priority: to serve the Filipino people,” he added.
Romualdez is also president of the Philippine Constitution Association.
Lakas-CMD has produced two presidents — Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“We trust that our new members have the integrity, competency and compassion to serve the country. We know they can be leaders who inspire and give hope during these difficult times,” the Leyte lawmaker said.
“The (COVID-19) pandemic will not stop Lakas-CMD from serving the nation and we hope to welcome more leaders and public servants to join us in the coming months,” he vowed.
Romualdez was assisted by Lakas-CMD deputy secretary general and Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Wilter Wee Palma II in the physical oathtaking of 15 out of 17 new Lakas-CMD members. Two other members took their oath through an online ceremony.