Regional political party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) President and Davao Occidental Rep. Claude Bautista and Pangasinan Rep. Rachel Arenas on Tuesday took their oaths as Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) members.
Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez, the House Majority Leader in the 18th Congress, administered Bautista and Arenas’ oathtaking in a simple ceremony in Makati City that was witnessed by Vice President and Education Sec. Sara Duterte, Lakas-CMD and HNP chairperson.
Like Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president, Bautista was also the campaign manager of Duterte in the last presidential elections. “It is indeed a great honor and pleasure to welcome Congressman Claude and Congresswoman Arenas. Thank you for joining Lakas-CMD,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez said the entry of lawmakers to Lakas-CMD would strengthen support in the House of Representatives to the legislative agenda of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
“Lakas-CMD is a solid ally of President Bongbong Marcos who received unprecedented mandate, trust and confidence from the people,” Romualdez said.
With Bautista and Arenas joining Lakas-CMD, the total membership of the party in the House of Representatives is now 57. Bautista will remain as HNP president.