Leyte lawmaker to take over as Lakas president

MANILA, Philippines - Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is likely to be elected president of the opposition Lakas-Christian and Muslim Democrats.

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. is expected to be elected as party chairman.

House of Representatives Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said yesterday the party will hold a meeting at the Fairways Function Room of the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati today to finalize the nomination and election of new leaders.

Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong, a vice-chairman of the Lakas-CMD, said they reached a consensus to elect Romualdez to replace Revilla.

“Based on our agreement, we will elect Congressman Romualdez as new Lakas-CMD president and elect Revilla as the party’s chairman,” he said.

Datumanong said Romualdez was the “most logical choice” for the post as he is a “young, dynamic and talented leader that can push the party’s interests.”

“Senator Revilla will be promoted chairman and Congressman Romualdez will take his present post,” he said.

Romualdez is also expected to replace Suarez, who will “graduate” from the House of Representatives.