Three new lawmakers join House

MANILA, Philippines - Leaders of the House of Representatives swore in last night three new members who will serve for only one month until June 30.

The new congressmen are Angelito Reyes of Taguig, Celestino Martinez of Cebu and Dominador Espina of the party-list group Cocofed.

The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal and the Supreme Court have declared Reyes and Martinez as the true winners in their respective districts.

Reyes replaced Henry Duenas Jr. He ran for congressman in the May 10 elections but lost to Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga.

While Reyes lost, his father, former Energy secretary Angelo Reyes, has a chance to sit in the House as representative of the party-list group 1-Utak (United Transport Koalisyon).

Martinez replaced Benhur Salimbagon. The two fought each other in the recent balloting and Salimbagon prevailed.

Espina is the new nominee of Cocofed.

As congressmen for one month, Reyes, Martinez and Espina will receive salaries, allowances and district office expenses amounting to about P350,000 each.

It is doubtful if they will get a share of the annual P70-million pork barrel allocation of each House member.