Sandro Marcos leaves father’s party, joins Lakas

The congressman's office has kept the move low-key, providing no press release or photo handout of the oath taking

MANILA, Philippines – House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos has left Partido Federal, the party of his father President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and joined Lakas CMD, the party of his uncle and mentor, former speaker Martin Romualdez.

A source told Rappler that the younger Marcos took his oath before Lakas member and Camiguin Representative JJ Romualdo at the House of Representatives on Monday, October 11.

Marcos’ office has kept the move low-key, providing no press release or photo handout of the oath taking. Former president and Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, however, was said to be present at the event.

No reason has been given for his party transfer, which comes weeks after its president Romualdez was arrested for plunder in connection with the flood control and overall national budget corruption scandal.

The party hasn’t distanced itself from Romualdez despite the controversy, and repeated calls for impartiality and due process after his arrest.

Lakas remains the biggest contingent in the House, with around 60 members, although its numbers are down from its peak of more than 100 members in the 19th Congress.

The lower chamber’s second largest delegation, National Unity Party, isn’t far behind, with around 50 members.

Rappler has reached out to both Lakas and PFP for comment, but they have yet to respond. – Rappler.com

Loading