ILOCOS NORTE — House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos explained that his recent decision to transfer to the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) was driven by the need to address a leadership vacuum within the political group.
The lawmaker, who previously belonged to the administration’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), shared that the transition was initially suggested by House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III. Speaking during an interview in Ilocos Norte on Friday, October 16, the 32-year-old legislator recounted how the proposal came about.
”Simple lang yun, nag-meeting kami ni Speaker, and napansin ni Speaker na ang Lakas sa ngayon, walang ulo, in the sense there is no one leading Lakas,” he said.
While the party change follows recent political developments—including plunder charges filed against his uncle, former House Speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, who serves as Lakas-CMD president, in connection with a flood control controversy—Marcos focused his explanation on party management.
He noted that Dy pointed out how well-organized the PFP already is.
”Sabi ni Speaker sa akin, ‘Alam mo, majo, yung PFP ay alagang alaga na.’ In the sense na nandoon si Pangulo (President Marcos), nandoon si Speaker (Dy), nandoon si Senior Deputy Speaker (South Cotabato City 2nd District Representative Ferdinand Hernandez). Halos lahat ng House leaders ay nandoon sa PFP,” Marcos stated.
According to the Presidential son, Dy advised him that shifting allegiances would benefit legislative operations in the House of Representatives by ensuring that Lakas-CMD members had direct access to a high-ranking leader.
”So ang sabi ni Speaker sa akin, ‘Alam mo, mas maganda para sa Kongreso na pumunta ka muna sa Lakas para ang mga Lakas members, mayroon silang mapuntahan na House leader para sa kanilang mga concerns,” he added.
Marcos further emphasized the importance of representation for party colleagues, contrasting it with the setup in his former party.
”Kasi sa PFP, nandoon naman si Speaker para pakinggan ang mga PFP members. Ngayon, andun na ako para pakinggan ang mga Lakas members. In the past, walang ganun,” he remarked.
”They did not have anyone to go to within the party who had a leadership position influential enough to be able to help with their districts and constituencies. So yun lang,” he concluded.
Representative Marcos officially joined Lakas-CMD as its 64th House member after taking his oath on Monday, October 12. His political shift has sparked speculation regarding potential alignments ahead of the upcoming 2028 national elections, given that Lakas-CMD maintains a longer and more established history than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s PFP.