MANILA, Philippines — House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos has officially shifted political allegiances, leaving the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP)—chaired by his father, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—to join the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).
The Ilocano lawmaker took his oath as a member of Lakas-CMD on Monday, October 12. The ceremony was administered by Lakas-CMD Vice President for Mindanao and Camiguin Lone District Representative JJ Romualdo, with several House officials and colleagues in attendance.
Lakas-CMD is headed by its president, former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, who is a first cousin of President Marcos and served as a mentor to the younger Marcos.
The party transition comes while Romualdez faces a plunder complaint tied to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Political analysts note it remains unconfirmed whether Representative Marcos’ shift to the more established political bloc is a strategic calculation for the upcoming 2028 elections or standard political realignment.
Despite ongoing legal challenges surrounding its leadership, Lakas-CMD maintains a strong presence in the legislature. With 64 members, the party retains its status as one of the largest coalitions within the 300-plus-member House of Representatives.
Historically, Lakas-CMD served as the ruling political vehicle for former presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.