Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah Honrado "Honey" Lacuna-Pangan took her oath last Tuesday, to join the Lakas Christian Muslin Democrats, which was held at the House of Representatives.
The oath was administered by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez at the Social Hall of the Speaker's office.
Several party officials were present as witnesses including Majority Floor Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez, and Agusan Del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose. "Joboy" Aquino.
Fellow local government officials from the City of Manila also showed support and witnessed the incumbent mayor's oath-taking including Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo, Representatives Irwin Tieng, Joel Chua, Edward Maceda, Rolando Valeriano, and Bienvenido Abante.
In a display of solidarity, 20 members of the Manila City Council joined Lacuna in the event.
"With open arms naman, tinanggap ako sa Lakas-CMD. Kaya ako ay nanumpa na nung isang araw," Lacuna said during an exclusive interview with DZRH on Thursday.
Lacuna mentioned that they have a local party called Asenso Manileño, which has an alliance with the national party Aksyon Demokratiko, whose president is the former Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso.
"Kaya lamang po alam naman po Ninyo na magiging magkatunggali po kami sa susunod na taon kaya minarapat ko lamang po na magresign na sa Aksyon Demokratiko," said Lacuna.
Hinting at the continuation of their 'sibling rivalry', Lacuna shared her movement to urge Moreno to reconsider his decision for the mayoral run.
"Sabi ko nga po sa aking little brother ay mayroon pa siyang panahon to reconsider his decision," she said.
Moreno served the City of Manila as mayor-elect in the 2019 polls with Lacuna as the vice mayor.
On July 17, Lacuna said in a post that she is giving Isko Moreno time to reconsider seeking the mayoral post in the City of Manila.
