The so-called Legitimate 8–the lawmakers who dubbed themselves such after being excluded from the House minority bloc–is still insistent on its minority stature and is seeking membership, meaning voting rights, in various committees.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, in a letter to Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, said he, Teddy Baguilat Jr. of Ifugao, Raul Daza of Northern Samar, Edgar Erice of Caloocan City (Metro Manila), Tomasito Villarin of Akbayan party-list, Rodante Marcoleta of 1-Sagip party-list, Emmanuel Billones of Capiz and Gary Alejano of Magdalo party-list are minority members pursuant to the Rules of the House and accepted tradition.

The eight lawmakers voted for Baguilat in the Speakership race who garnered more votes than Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, 8 to 7.

In his letter, Lagman attached the minimum committee preferences of the “Legitimate 8” members whom Lagman said are not only members of the minority but also members of the House of Representatives who are entitled to committee memberships.

Read more: manilatimes.net