Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez addresses members of Lakas-CMD during the party’s 2024 convention at the Imelda Hall of Aguado Residence in San Miguel, Manila Friday (Sept. 20, 24).
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday officially announced that Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), which he heads as president, will join a formidable administration alliance that will field candidates in the May 2025 combined congressional-local elections.
He made the announcement during the party’s national convention, which was attended by Lakas-CMD top officials and members at the Aguado Residence in Malacañang.
The leader of the 300-plus members House of Representatives also said Lakas-CMD would remain President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s reliable partner in pushing for policies and reforms that would benefit every Filipino.
“In 2025, we are not just fielding candidates — we are shaping the future. Lakas-CMD is proud to join the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, a multiparty administration alliance that will bring forth a formidable candidates for the Senate, provincial, congressional, and city and municipal positions,” Speaker Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president and lawyer from University of the Philippines, told his party members.
Speaker Romualdez urged party members to prepare for the 2025 elections “with a renewed sense of purpose.”
“The strength of Lakas-CMD lies in our unity and our vision for a Bagong Pilipinas. Together, we will continue to be the driving force behind the reforms and initiatives to secure a better future for our country,” he said.
The House leader said he and his party mates “have been entrusted with the sacred duty to be the backbone of the administration’s vision for a brighter future.”
“Our partnership with President Marcos, Jr. is built on a shared dream: to empower our people, strengthen our economy, and restore trust in government. This responsibility calls for steadfast commitment, and I have no doubt that each of us here is ready to take on the challenge,” he said.
House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Lakas-CMD executive vice president, said, “Today, we gather not just to celebrate the strength, resilience, and unity of our great party—the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats—but also to acknowledge its rich history and promising future that we are shaping together. This moment serves as both a reflection on our proud past and a renewal of our shared commitment to building a brighter tomorrow for every Filipino.”
“Lakas-CMD stands as the largest and most dominant political party in the Philippines, a true testament to the trust and confidence the Filipino people have placed in us,” Dalipe said.
“Together, we will represent a broad and inclusive movement that reflects the aspirations of every Filipino across our archipelago,” he said.
“This Lakas-CMD national convention is a testament to our unity and collaboration in achieving our shared goals for the progress of our nation,” Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino II, Lakas-CMD secretary-general, said in a separate speech.
Speaker Romualdez added that Lakas-CMD “has proven time and again that we are a crucial and dependable partner in the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as we work together to build a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’- a nation rooted in progress, inclusivity, and resilience.”
The House leader pointed out that as the nation approaches another critical election season, “we do so with confidence in our shared strength, unity, and dedication to the Filipino people.”
“Lakas-CMD has long been the dominant force in the multiparty administration coalition in the House of Representatives…Let us remember that our mission goes beyond winning seats. We are here to uplift every Filipino’s life, give voice to their concerns, and shape policies that will bring about lasting change. Lakas-CMD has always been a party that listens, cares, and delivers,” he stressed.
Some of Lakas-CMD officials and members who attended the convention include Lakas-CMD Chairman and Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., House Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., House Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez, House Deputy Speaker and Lanao del Sur Rep. Yasser Balindong, Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado Revilla, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V, Isabela Rep. Faustino “Inno” Dy V, Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun, Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Almario, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Zambales Rep. Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz, Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Lordan Suan, Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Wilter Palma, Manila Rep. Ernesto “Ernix” Dionisio Jr., Manila Rep. Joel Chua, Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo, San Juan Rep. Maria Ysabel Zamora, Parañaque City Rep. Edwin Olivarez, Pangasinan Rep. Rachel Arenas, Pangasinan Rep. Ramon Guico Jr., Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto, Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Roberto Uy Jr., Misamis Occidental Rep. Sancho Oaminal, Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas, Davao de Oro Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora, Sultan Kudarat Rep. Princess Rihan Sakaluran, Agusan del Norte Rep. Dale Corvera, Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison, Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia, Camiguin Gov. Xavier Jesus “XJ” Romualdo, Kalinga Gov. James Sagmayao Edduba, Ifugao Gov. Jerry Dalipog, Benguet Gov. Melchor Diclas, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangudadatu, Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio “Oyi” Umali, Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez, Ilocos Sur Vice Gov. Ryan Luis Singson, Pangasinan Vice Gov. Mark Ronald de Guzman Lambino, Misamis Oriental Vice Gov. Jeremy Jonahmar Pelaez, Davao Occidental Vice Gov. Lorna Bautista Bandigan, Davao de Oro Vice Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy, Davao del Norte Vice Gov. De Carlo “Oyo” Uy, Davao Oriental Vice Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang V, Sultan Kudarat Vice Gov. Raden Camlian Sakaluran, Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuña, Parañaque City Mayor Eric L. Olivares, Zamboanga City Mayor John M. Dalipe, Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co, and others.
The 4,000 Lakas-CMD members include 106 congressmen and congresswomen, 15 governors, 15 vice governors, 124 provincial board members, 18 city mayors, 19 city vice mayors, 105 city councilors, 332 town mayors, 199 municipal vice mayors, and 1,294 municipal councilors
About the Author
