Marino party-list selects new representative

The Marino party-list has selected its second representative in Congress after one of its nominees stepped down from his post last July.

In a statement on Sunday, Marino party-list Representative Sandro Gonzalez announced that Macnell Lusotan would replace Antonio Lopez at the House of Representatives.

Lusotan is expected to take his oath before Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano when Congress returns on November 4.

“We welcome the COMELEC decision which paves the way for Congressman Lusotan to assume the second seat that the people have given our party-list," Gonzalez said.

"In behalf of all the members of the Marino Party-list, I thank the COMELEC for recognizing the will of the people while at the same time upholding the rule of law in effecting this substitution,” he added.

Marino party-list won two seats in Congress in 2019 midterm elections. However, Lopez resigned from his position due to "personal reasons."

Following his selection, Lusotan expressed readiness to perform his duties from the first day of his term as a lawmaker.

"I am humbled by the trust and confidence given to me by the Marino Party-list. I assure all stakeholders in the maritime industry that with my assumption, the party-list will be twice as effective in the performance of its duties,” he said. — Erwin Colcol/DVM, GMA News