Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
By Miriam G. Desacada
Tacloban City–The new House minority bloc includes (from left to right) Representatives Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro), Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers), Jan Rurik Padiernos (Galing sa Puso), Jonathan Clement Abalos II (4Ps), Percival Cendaña (Akbayan), Leila De Lima (Mamayang Liberal), Dadah Kiram Ismula (Akbayan), Jose Manuel Diokno (Akbayan), Roberto Nazal Jr. (Bagong Henerasyon), Marcelino Libanan (4Ps), Edgar Erice (2nd District, Caloocan City), Elijah San Fernando (Kamanggagawa), Jernie Jett Nisay (Pusong Pinoy), Sheen Gonzales (Lone District, Eastern Samar), Niko Raul Daza (1st District, Northern Samar), and Allan Ty (LPGMA), among others.
A broad coalition of House members – spearheaded by Akbayan, the top-performing party-list in the recent elections, and the Liberal Party – has formally endorsed 4Ps Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan for minority leader of the 20th Congress, which will convene its first regular session on July 28.
In a joint manifesto of support, the lawmakers cited Libanan’s “unwavering integrity, proven legislative competence, and steadfast commitment to public service” as key reasons for their endorsement.
They emphasized Libanan’s extensive experience across both the legislative and executive branches of government, saying he “embodies the values of transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance—principles essential to a strong and responsible minority bloc.”
“With confidence in his ability to lead with honor, wisdom, and dedication,” the manifesto declared, “we affirm our collective support for Rep. Libanan as minority leader.”
A lawyer by profession, Libanan previously served for nine years as the representative of the lone congressional district of Eastern Samar, during which he also chaired the House committee on justice.
Elected as 4Ps representative in 2022, Libanan went on to become the House minority leader in the 19th Congress, where he earned recognition for his principled leadership, constructive opposition, and advocacy of progressive yet balanced reforms.
The manifesto reflects the shared commitment to building a dynamic, independent minority bloc – one that will hold the majority to account while championing the interests of the Filipino people.
The 26 House members who issued the manifesto include 11 first-termers, six comebacking representatives, and nine reelected lawmakers.
The 11 first-term House members endorsing Libanan are:
• Rep. Jose Manuel Diokno (Akbayan)
• Rep. Leila De Lima (Mamayang Liberal)
• Rep. Audrey Zubiri (3rd District, Bukidnon)
• Rep. Renee Louise Co (Kabataan)
• Rep. Niko Raul Daza (1st District, Northern Samar)
• Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula (Akbayan)
• Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales (Lone District, Eastern Samar)
• Rep. Roberto Gerard Nazal Jr. (Bagong Henerasyon)
• Rep. Elijah San Fernando (Kamanggagawa)
• Rep. Jan Rurik Padiernos (Galing sa Puso)
• Rep. Mary Girlie Veloso (Malasakit at Bayanihan)
The six comebacking House members supporting Libanan are:
• Rep. Edgar Erice (2nd District, Caloocan City)
• Rep. Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro (1st District, Albay)
• Rep. Arlene Bag-ao (Lone District, Dinagat Islands)
• Rep. Jesus Suntay (4th District, Quezon City)
• Rep. Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers)
• Rep. Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro)
Notably, Erice, Lagman-Luistro, and Bag-ao are prominent members of the Liberal Party.
The nine reelected House members backing Libanan are:
• Rep. Percival Cendaña (Akbayan)
• Rep. Richard Gomez (4th District, Leyte)
• Rep. Stephen James Tan (1st District, Samar)
• Rep. Reynolds Michael Tan (2nd District, Samar)
• Rep. Allan Ty (LPGMA)
• Rep. Sergio Dagooc (APEC)
• Rep. Presley De Jesus (PHILRECA)
• Rep. Jernie Jett Nisay (Pusong Pinoy)
• Rep. Jonathan Clement Abalos II (4Ps)
The minority leader is the acknowledged spokesman of the minority bloc, which may be composed of one or more political groups.
Like the majority leader, the minority leader is elected in a caucus of all members of the House in the minority. He is an ex-officio member of all standing committees
