The Liberal Party of the Philippines on Friday elected Albay Representative Edcel Lagman as the party's new president during its National Executive Council Meeting held at the historic Club Filipino in San Juan City.
In his acceptance speech, Lagman vowed the party's comeback in the 2025 Midterm Elections, lifting the party from the ashes of the 2022 elections.
"As your President, I am not ready to incant the requiem of the Liberal Party. I assume the presidency to lift up the Liberal Party from the ashes of the May 2022 elections," Lagman said.
Lagman calls for unity and strengthening its ranks by intensifying its recruitment activities by prioritizing the enlistment of its members from college campuses, barangay youth leaders, and young national officials.
He also said the party will immerse with the masses and be partners in aspiring for a better life.
"We shall encourage and develop popular volunteerism. It shall be central to our recruitment of new members. Where and when public institutions fall short, volunteerism fills in the gaps, contributes remarkably to capacity-building, and enhances a person or a group's sense of agency," Lagman said.
"Volunteerism allows communities the opportunity to contribute to their own growth, ensures social inclusion, and encourages civic-mindedness," he added.
Lagman also said that they are also open to alliances with groups and parties with the same ideals, convictions, and objectives.
The party also elected former Senator Francis Pangilinan as its new Chairperson, succeeding former Vice President Leni Robredo, former Quezon City Representative Kit Belmonte as new vice chairperson, succeeding former Senator Franklin Drilon, Representative Teddy Baguilat as new Secretary General succeeding Belmonte, former Quezon Representative Erin Tanada as new Executive Vice President and Oriental Mindoro Representative Alfonso Umali as National Treasurer, succeeding former Occidental Mindoro Representative Josephine Ramirez-Sato.
Iloilo Provincial Board Member Jason Gonzalez is retained as Director General.
