The decision of Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos to transfer to Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) came upon the recommendation of Speaker Faustino “Bodjie” Dy III.
In an ambush interview, Marcos explained that he and the Speaker discussed the administrative move to ensure members of Lakas-CMD have a direct channel to raise their legislative and district concerns.
“Nag meeting kami n Speaker at napansin ni Speaker na ang Lakas sa ngayon ay walang ulo, there is no one leading Lakas,” Marcos said.
According to both House leaders, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) currently maintains organizational stability due to the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Sabi ni Speaker sa akin, Majo alam mo yung PFP ay alagang alaga na. Because andun si Pangulo, andun si Speaker, andun si Senier Deputy Speaker halos lahat ng House leaders andun sa PFP,” Marcos said.
“Kaya sabi ni Speaker sa akin, mas maganda para sa Kongreso na pumunta muna ako sa Lakas para ang mga Lakas members meron silang mapuntahan para sa kanilang concrerns,” Marcos added.
The Majority Leader pledged to assist and listen to Lakas-CMD members to help address the needs of their respective constituents.
“It was more administrative matters para lang the members of the Lakas don’t feel lost,” Marcos also said.
Marcos officially took his oath as a new member of Lakas-CMD on October 12, transitioning from his previous affiliation with PFP.
Prominent leaders within Lakas-CMD include former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and former President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
With this development, Lakas-CMD continues to stand as the largest political party in the House of Representatives, maintaining a membership of at least 64 lawmakers.