Several politicians have jumped ship to the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) exactly one week after vice presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte joined the political party that produced two presidents: Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
House Majority Leader and Leyte First District Rep. Martin Romualdez on Thursday administered the oath of 28 new Lakas-CMD members from Quezon City led by Rep. Precious Castelo, former Reps. Bingbong Crisologo (6th District) and Nanette Daza (4th District) and actor Bobby Andrews as the party continues to increase its membership in the run up to the 2022 elections.
“These leaders are the potent force and future of Quezon City. We continue to embrace those who are committed to help us in our main mission to serve the people and further boost the winning chances of Mayor Sara Duterte,” Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president, said.
“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,” added Romualdez, president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa).
Malayang Quezon City mayoralty candidate Rep. Mike Defensor of the Anakalusugan party-list is a close ally of Lakas-CMD.
Other notable Quezon City Lakas-CMD leaders are Rep. Anthony Peter Crisologo who is the National Capital Region chairman, vice mayoralty candidate Councilor Winnie Castelo, and District 1 Councilor Nikki Crisologo.
Romualdez was assisted by Lakas-CMD Executive Vice President and Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo and Deputy Secretary General and Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Wilter Wee Palma II in the physical oath-taking of new Lakas-CMD members.
Castelo was personally sworn into the party by Romualdez. She is the wife of Councilor Castelo and a former member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.
Congressional aspirants Marvin Rillo (4th District), and Bingbong Crisologo (6th District) also took their oath as Lakas-CMD members.
Some of candidates for Quezon City councilors who also joined Lakas-CMD are Lorraine Carandang, Eldridge De Castro, John Nieto, and Bong.Vinzons of 1st District; comedian Roderick Paulate, Martin Leachon and Kurt Castelo Nocum of 2nd District; Andrews, Daza, and Imee Rillo of 4th District; Ali Forbes, Jaja Mantele, Karl John Paguio, Luis Saludes, Ricky Mathay, and Jemboy Castelo of 6th District, and others.
“We thank them for trusting the Lakas-CMD,” Romualdez, chairman of the House Committee on Rules, said.
