The National Unity Party, the second biggest power bloc in Congress, has elected Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte as president.
Before joining Congress in 2016, the former NUP vice president for political affairs served as a three-term governor of CamSur, representing the second district.
Former Interior Local Government secretary Ronaldo “Ronnie” Puno, a known professional campaign manager and political strategist, was also named NUP chairman.
Since its accreditation as a national party in 2011, the NUP has increased its number in Congress to 47.
NUP endorsed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte during the May polls.
Also elected during their assembly at the Vertis Hotel were Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla, NUP vice chairman for internal affairs; Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop as vice chairman for external affairs; and Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales II as vice chairman for legislative affairs.
The party also named their vice presidents — Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia (for Luzon), Cebu Rep. Pablo John Garcia (for the Visayas), Agusan Del Sur Rep. Adolph Edward Plaza (for Mindanao), and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas (for special projects).
Cavite Rep. Antonio Ferrer was elected treasurer; House secretary-general Reginald Velasco, secretary-general; and ex-Local Government Assistant Secretary and former House deputy secretary-general Brian Raymund Yamsuan, deputy secretary-general.