Lagman is new LP president, Kiko now chairman

The Liberal Party on Friday elected veteran lawmaker Edcel Lagman as its new president, replacing former Senator Francis Pangilinan, who was named party chairman.

Lagman, who identifies as the lone independent minority in the House of Representatives, was elected with no contest.

"I pledge to lead LP with principled activism and advocate for good governance, human rights,  progressive taxation and genuine people empowerment," Lagman said, adding "babalik tayo."

"We shall be at the forefront in fighting against oppression, repression, and tyranny. We shall encourage and develop popular volunteerism. Volunteerism shall be central to our recruitment of new members. Where and when public institutions fall short, volunteerism fills in the gaps, contributes remarkably to capacity-building, and enhances a person or a group’s sense of agency," he said.

The LP also named former Quezon City lawmaker Christopher Kit Belmonte as vice chairman; former deputy speaker Lorenzo Tañada III as executive vice president; former Ifugao lawmaker Teddy Baguilat as secretary general and Oriental Mindoro Representative Alfonso Umali Jr. as treasurer.

Pangilinan, who replaced former vice president Leni Robredo, maintained that the fight is not yet over.

"We are standing, alive and kicking. LP has remained steadfast in fighting for the democracy of the country," he said. 

From four LP chapters in 2019, Pangilinan said they have increased to 165 chapters to date.

He said that LP has 400 elected officials among its ranks and 10,000 non-political members.

"We will continue to strengthen our ranks. I will liken this to a farmer sowing seeds, and at the right time, we would have a bountiful harvest for our people," Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan then lauded LP's role in the 2022 presidential campaign of Robredo, which was largely anchored on volunteer efforts.

The former vice president lost the polls with only 15 million votes, but her voting share reached 28%, which was more than twice her 8% to 12% rating when she filed her certificate of candidacy in October 2021.

Robredo acknowledged in a video message that the election loss stings, but that now is not the time to give up.

"Alam kong hindi naging madali ang eleksyon na ito para sa ating lahat. siguro hanggang ngayon, meron pang mga sugat na kailangang maghilom. Sana nakahanap na kayo ng kaunting puwang para huminga at magpahinga," Robredo said.

"May mga katotohanan ay marahil mahirap tanggapin. Isa itong wake up call para sa atin, na bagamat pare pareho tayo nangangarap ng mas magandang buhay, ibang iba ang mukha na pamumuno na pinanghahawakan ng mas marami. But despite the many, many hurdles before us, I remain hopeful. Sa kabila ng mga sugat, biyaya ang lahat. Huwag natin sayangin ang pagkakataon na binibigay sa ating bagong simula," she added.

Lagman said Robredo would continue to play an active role as an LP member.

"She is not leaving LP," he said.

Lagman, meanwhile, vowed to lift the LP "from the ashes of the May 2022 elections."

"As your president, I am not ready to incant the requiem of the Liberal Party. I assume the presidency to lift the Liberal Party from the ashes of the May 2022 elections. To remain relevant and expand our ranks, we must unite and strengthen our crusade for sound, effective, and just governance and intensify our recruitment activities starting from the grassroots and concentrating on getting the support of like-minded political leaders," he said. 

Pangilinan added, "We are not done yet."

"We have ignited a fire in the hearts of our people who are seeking accountable leadership. That would never be extinguished and with our tireless effort, it will spread like wildfire, engulfing our nation," he said. 

The last LP standard bearer to win the presidential race was then Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III in 2010. —LDF/VBL, GMA News