Party-lists back minority leader bet

A BROAD coalition of party-list groups on Sunday backed Party-list Rep. Marcelino C. Libanan’s bid to remain as the minority leader of the House of Representatives, a development showing a consensus to reinforce continuity in the chamber’s leadership in the 20th Congress.

In a statement, Mr. Libanan said there are 26 lawmakers that signed a joint manifesto of support to keep him as leader of the House minority bloc, notably including members of Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party, Liberal Party, Kabataan Party-list and Alliance of Concerned Teachers.

“With confidence in his ability to lead with honor, wisdom and dedication, we affirm our collective support for Rep. Libanan as minority leader,” the joint manifesto read, based on the statement.

Newly elected lawmakers began their term in the 20th Congress last week, but sessions won’t start until July 28, when they will elect the House leadership before President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. delivers his fourth annual state of the nation address.

Party-list groups are allocated 63 seats in the House, or 20% of the chamber’s total membership.

The minority leader acts as spokesman of the minority bloc, which is mostly composed of party-list groups representing marginalized sectors. The post wields significant political clout within the chamber, as the minority leader automatically sits in all House committees. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio