Sara Duterte officially assumes post as Lakas-CMD chair

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Thursday formally assumed the chairmanship of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).

She was elected during the Lakas-CMD National Council meeting on Thursday, according to party president and House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez. Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., meanwhile, will serve as co-chairperson. 

Duterte previously accepted Revilla’s offer to become party chairperson.

“Kasabay po ng ating pagtanggap sa posisyon bilang chairperson ng partido, taus-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa inyong kompyansa at tiwala sa akin. Malaki at mahalaga ang ibinigay na suporta ng partido sa akin upang matugunan ko ang hamon ng ating mga kababayan na sumabak sa pambansang pulitika,” she said. 

(As I accept this post, I am very grateful for your trust and confidence. The party’s support is huge and important in helping me address the challenge of running in the national elections.)

“I humbly accept this challenge with the thoughts of our fellow Filipinos facing extraordinary challenges in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

On November 11, Duterte joined Lakas-CMD after leaving Hugpong ng Pagbabago, the regional party she founded.

Two days later, Duterte filed her certificate of candidacy for vice president for Eleksyon 2022 under Lakas-CMD via the substitution route.

“I am confident that we will continue to be guided by the principles that the party has been built on — good governance, economic development, people empowerment, sustainable development, and social justice,” Duterte said. 

“Let us work together to become an ally of the Filipino people. Let us work together to become an ally of our great nation,” she added.

Romualdez expressed confidence that Duterte “will continue to inspire us more in working towards victory in the May 2022 national elections.”

“In fact, we consider Mayor Sara as our guiding light, and there is no doubt that her leadership experience and heart for public service will lead Lakas-CMD to greater heights and broader horizons in the coming months,” he said.

Duterte will run in tandem with presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. — VBL, GMA News