Another PDP-Laban solon jumps ship, joins Lakas-CMD

The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party continues to strengthen its ground at the House of Representatives by swearing in a new member.

Biliran Representative Gerardo "Gerryboy" Espina Jr, previously a member of the ruling PDP-Laban party, took his oath before Lakas-CMD president and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez on Wednesday afternoon.

This brings the number of lawmakers belonging to Lakas-CMD to 30, of whom 15 are from legislative districts and 15 are from party-lists.

“We will continue to solidify and strengthen our political influence nationwide,” Romualdez said in a statement following Espina's oath taking.

Espina currently serves as vice chairperson of two House Committees: Health and Agrarian Reform.

Romualdez reiterated his party's strong commitment to and support for the legislative agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Lakas-CMD remains and will always be a partner of the administration in ensuring the swift passage of President Duterte’s legislative agenda needed to make the life of Filipino people more comfortable,” he said.

PDP-Laban earlier lost four lawmakers to the National Unity Party—Deputy Speakers Neptali "Boyet" Gonzales II and Dan Fernandez, as well as La Union Representative Sandra Eriguel and Cagayan De Oro City Representative Rolando "Clarex" Uy—and one, Southern Leyte Representative Roger Mercado, to Lakas-CMD. — BM, GMA News