TACLOBAN CITY — Four out of five congressmen from the three provinces of Samar Island will be joining the minority bloc of the House of Representatives when the 20th Congress convenes for its first regular session on 28 July.

The four congressmen are among the 26 House members that signed a manifesto of support endorsing 4Ps Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan for minority leader.

The four signatories are Representatives Niko Raul Daza (1st District, Northern Samar), Christopher Sheen Gonzales (Lone District, Eastern Samar), Stephen James Tan (1st District, Samar) and Reynolds Michael Tan (2nd District, Samar).

Also joining the minority bloc is Leyte Fourth District Rep. Richard Gomez.

Earlier, Northern Samar Second District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan said he will be joining the majority coalition being a member of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) which is chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In their signed manifesto, the lawmakers cited Libanan’s “unwavering integrity, proven legislative competence and steadfast commitment to public service” as key reasons for their endorsement.

“With confidence in his ability to lead with honor, wisdom and dedication, we affirm our collective support for Rep. Libanan as minority leader,” the manifesto declared.

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.

Libanan was elected as 4Ps representative in 2022, where he become the House minority leader in the 19th Congress.