Administration ally Lakas-CMD increased its membership to 100 in the House of Representatives, as party president and incumbent Speaker Martin Romualdez swore in three new affiliates Tuesday night, including showbiz personality Karla Estrada.
In simple rites held at the Office of the Speaker, Romualdez administered oaths of membership to Estrada as well as Reps. Menchie Bernos (Lone District, Abra), Kristine Alexie Tutor (3rd District, Bohol), and Julienne Baronda (Lone District, Iloilo City).
The latest additions brought the membership of Lakas-CMD to 100 in the House of Representatives, the largest in the chamber, according to the Speaker.
“Together we can leverage Lakas-CMD’s significant representation in the House of Representatives and extensive membership nationwide to address the pressing issues facing our nation and advance policies that promote inclusive growth and prosperity for all,” Romualdez said.
Bernos and Tutor are both from the Nacionalista Party while Baronda was a member of the National Unity Party.
Estrada, meanwhile, entered politics in 2021 when she filed her certificate of candidacy as third nominee of Tingog party-list—the organization represented by Romualdez’s wife, Yedda, in Congress.
Lakas-CMD is poised to become a dominant force in the midterm elections next year with the formalization of its alliance with the Partido Federal Pilipinas (PFP) party of President Marcos on Wednesday.
“In partnership with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., we will work tirelessly to fulfill our shared goals of nation-building and progress,” Romualdez said.
In an interview with reporters, Romualdez also expressed his openness to link with other major political parties.