2 solons join, 5 others ally with Lakas-CMD

The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) has welcomed two new congressmen into the party and allied with five party-list lawmakers at the House, Majority Leader and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez said Tuesday.

Deputy Majority Leader and Zamboanga Sibugay Representative Wilter "Sharky" Wee Palma II and Catanduanes Representative Hector Sanchez took their oath on Monday night before Romualdez, the party president.

“Lakas-CMD is open for new members and we will continue to strengthen our political influence nationwide,” Romualdez said.

Deputy Majority Leader and Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, the party's Vice President for Luzon, along with Lakas-CMD officials and members, witnessed the event held at the residence of former Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Quezon City.

Palma, who transferred from the ruling PDP-Laban party, said he feels at home at Lakas-CMD "especially with the competent leadership of House Majority Leader Romualdez," citing the party's reform, concrete achievements and proven capacity to lead the political arena.

For his part, Sanchez, who was a member for Lakas-National Union of Christian Democrats (Lakas-NUCD), said he returned to Lakas-CMD because of the "coherent and workable" leadership of Romualdez.

Meanwhile, Tingog party-list Representative Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt Romualdez, Anakalusugan party-list Representative Mike Defensor, Ako Bisaya party-list Representative Sonny “SL” Lagon, Ako Bicol party-list Representative Alfredo Garbin, and Alona party-list Rep. Ana Marie Villaraza-Suarez were declared “Lakas-CMD allies” after signing the “Declaration of Alliance for Unity and Progress” with the party.

“We are Lakas-CMD allies with shared objectives to support the President’s programs and his legislative agenda as well as that of the House leadership under Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano,” Defensor said.

"We will continue to work on achieving the national development and reform agenda which will enhance the quality of life of our people,” Lagon said.

With the oath-taking of new members, Lakas-CMD now has 13 members and five allies in the House of Representatives. —KBK, GMA News