THE former ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party continues to fortify its ranks in the run-up to the 2022 national elections as it welcomed 28 new members yesterday, including incumbent and aspiring lawmakers and councilors who transferred to the party just a week after vice presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio joined it.
“As the party gears to strengthen its ranks for the upcoming 2022 national and local elections, we are united to fulfill one goal: to lead our nation compassionately, efficiently and competently,” said House majority leader Martin Romualdez, party president, as he administered the oath of 28 new members from Quezon City led by Rep. Precious Castelo, former Reps. Bingbong Crisologo and Nanette Daza, and show business personality Bobby Andrews.
Lakas, which has more than 30 members at the House of Representatives, was the ruling party under the administrations of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the party’ president emeritus, and Fidel V. Ramos, its founder.
The party now has a good chance to reclaim its old glory as its Duterte-Carpio, its new chairman, has formed a tandem with presidential aspirant former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) who was adopted by Lakas as its presidential candidate.
The new members joined Lakas amid allegations that the party was spreading coup rumors against Speaker Lord Allan Jay Velasco of the now ruling but fractured PDP-Laban party, in an alleged bid to preempt any move by the administration to oust Romualdez as majority leader.
Rep. Michael Aglipay (PL, DIWA) earlier said Lakas members are trying to protect Romualdez after President Duterte expressed displeasure over the decision of his daughter to run for vice president under Lakas-CMD.
President Duterte, who is running for the Senate next year, said he would remind lawmakers on the “fundamental laws” of Congress, especially during the conduct of inquiries, should he win.
The President, during the inauguration of eight seaport projects in Oriental Mindoro, said there are a lot of institutional reforms needed in government including in the Senate.
He has been criticizing investigations of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee on alleged anomalous purchases of COVID-19 medical supplies.
The President said some lawmakers keep on talking while witnesses are unable to answer any queries, or explain and clear any issues that arise.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections granted Marcos’ request for more time to answer a petition seeking to have his certificate of candidacy (COC) canceled.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the Second Division gave Marcos a five-day extension.
“Getting word that Comelec 2nd Division, just now, issued an extension in the cancellation case against former senator Marcos. 5 days. But since the 5th day falls on a Sunday, last day is actually 22 November,” he said.
The petitioners accuse Marcos of making multiple false material representation in his COC, particularly when he said he is eligible to be a candidate for president, despite being a convicted criminal.
The preliminary conference on the case against Marcos has been set on November 26.
Marcos will be represented at the Comelec by former Solicitor General Estelito Mendoza. — With Jocelyn Montemayor, Gerard Naval and Ashzel Hachero
