By DAVE CHARLES RESPONTE
In a significant political shift, the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) has now seized control of two-thirds of Bohol.
This development comes as two House of Representatives members from Bohol have joined the ruling party, marking a potential consolidation of power ahead of the 2025 elections.
Observers speculate that this trend of politicians switching parties could be a strategic move to strengthen their positions in the upcoming elections, which is just a year away.
While some politicians have already pledged their allegiance to the ruling Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, led by President Marcos Jr., Speaker Martin Romualdez is also fortifying his party, Lakas-CMD.
The party’s recent acquisition of Cong. Kristine Alexie Besas-Tutor is seen as a masterstroke to solidify the party’s influence and potentially boost its chances in the 2025 midterm elections.
Besas-Tutor, a two-term congresswoman, enjoys an “excellent” net satisfaction rating from her constituents, according to a survey conducted by researchers at the Holy Name University (HNU).
She stated that her transfer to Lakas-CMD was made with the best interests of her constituents in mind, promising more services and progress for Bohol’s third district.
Earlier, second district congresswoman Maria Vanessa Aumentado also joined Lakas-CMD, months after the 2022 elections.
Meanwhile, Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, who ran under the Nationalist People’s Coalition in 2022, was among the officials who pledged their allegiance to Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, according to a report by Rappler.
As these political shifts unfold, Rep. Edgar Chatto remains a stalwart of the National Unity Party (NUP), the party under which Tagbilaran City mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap ran during the 2022 elections.
The future of Bohol’s political landscape continues to evolve as the 2025 elections approach.
JUMP SHIP
Congresswoman Vanessa C. Aumentado of Bohol’s 2nd district and Congresswoman Alexie B. Tutor of the 3rd district announced last week their allegiance to the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democratic party.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Congresswoman Aumentado stated, “We are delighted to be part of the Lakas Party alongside Cong Alexie. This alliance will bolster our efforts to extend our services beyond the Second and Third districts, reaching out to the whole of Bohol.”
The oath-taking ceremony was presided over by the House Speaker, marking the official induction of Tutor and Aumentado into the party.
In a heartfelt message on her Facebook post, Tutor said, “Today, I took the oath of office under LAKAS-CMD, for the betterment of our district and our people in the 3rd District of Bohol. This is a commitment to all our constituents. I am confident that under this banner party, our people will experience unprecedented development, progress, and social services. Our partnership with Cong. Van-van Cadorna Aumentado of the 2nd district has strengthened, reinforcing our commitment to serve the Boholano People.”
Tutor, a former member of the Nacionalista Party led by Senator Cynthia Villar and her husband, former Senator Manny Villar, has made a significant political move with this switch.
Observers note that aligning with the administration party has been a tradition in Bohol politics.
The Lakas-CMD, previously led by Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte, has seen a change in leadership following her departure due to reported ideological differences.