The exodus of members from the erstwhile ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) continued on Wednesday as two more lawmakers left their former political party to join the Lakas Christian-Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).
Another lawmaker from the National Unity Party (NUP) also joined Lakas-CMD, increasing the party’s numbers in the House of Representatives to 92.
Reps. Divine Grace Yu (Zamboanga del Sur, First District) and Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo (Lanao del Norte, First District), both formerly of PDP-Laban, and Ma. Cynthia Chan (Lapu-Lapu City, Lone District) of NUP yesterday took their oath as members of Lakas-CMD, along with 18 mayors from Zamboanga del Sur.
Speaker Martin Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president, said the party is entering a new age of political unity, not only in the House of Representatives but in the whole country as well.
“Our shared ideals of service to the people and being responsive to the needs of the country unite us all. Our commitment to support President Marcos Jr. and his legislative agenda also binds us,” Romualdez said.
“Let us continue working for the welfare of the Filipino people, for the growth of the Philippine economy, and for the protection of the sovereignty of our country. Let us all demonstrate our love for the country as one party,” he added.
The oathtaking of the three new members of Lakas-CMD followed that of Reps. Richard Kho, Olga Kho, and Wilton Kho—all representatives of Masbate— two weeks ago.
Before that,10 former PDP-Laban officials and members bolted from their party to join Lakas-CMD, namely Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Pampanga Rep. Carmelo Lazatin II, Siquijor Rep. Zaldy Villa, Parañaque City 1st District Rep. Edwin Olivares, Pasay City Lone District Rep. Antonino Calixto, Zamboanga del Norte 2nd District Rep. Glona Labadlabad, Cebu 2nd District Rep. Eduardo Roa Rama Jr., Camarines Norte 2nd District Rep. Rosemarie Conejos Panotes, Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Dale Corvera, and Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy.