Rep. Edcel C. Lagman of the First District of Albay is the new President of the Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP) succeeding former Senator Kiko Pangilinan who assumes the position of Chairman after former Vice President Leni Robredo.

The opposition lawmaker pledged to lead LP with principled activism.

In his acceptance speech today (30 September 2022) at the Club Filipino, Lagman stated that the LP shall “relentlessly sustain and enhance the Party’s enviable legacies of democratic liberalism, respect for the rule of law, protection of human rights, good governance and accountability, progressive taxation, campaign against authoritarianism and despotism, and genuine people empowerment.”

He vowed that “babalik tayo” as the party looks forward to the 2025 mid-term elections and beyond.

The Bicol solon underscored his plans for the LP to continue to be relevant and expand its ranks by:

1. Uniting and strengthening the crusade for sound, effective, and just governance;

2. Intensifying recruitment activities starting from the grassroots and concentrating on getting the support of like-minded political leaders as well as focusing efforts on the recruitment of members from barangay youth leaders and college campus leaders;

3. Remaining at the forefront in fighting against oppression, repression, and tyranny;

4. Encouraging and developing popular volunteerism which allows communities the opportunity to contribute to their own growth, ensures social inclusion, and encourages civic mindedness; and

5. Welcoming the membership of kindred political leaders and being open to alliances with groups and parties with the same ideals, convictions, and objectives.

Lagman ended his speech by asserting that “If there is determination, there is hope; if there is hope, there is fulfillment; if there is fulfillment, we shall prevail; once we prevail, we shall endure; and when we endure, we become relevant; as we are relevant, we shall lead and be victorious once again. Tuloy Liberal!”

Lagman has been elected Representative of Albay’s Frist District for a record nine congressional terms and by 2025, he would be one of the country’s longest serving legislators being a Member of the House of Representatives for 29 years.

The party’s National Executive Council (NECO) also elected Rep. Kit Belmonte as Vice Chairman, Rep. Erin Tañada as Executive Vice President, Rep. Teddy Baguilat as Secretary General, and Rep. Alfonso “Boy” Umali as Treasurer. Iloilo Provincial Board Member Jason Gonzalez is retained as Director General.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN