‘Legitimate 8’ minority pushes for voting rights

The so-called “Legitimate 8”—the lawmakers who dubbed themselves such after being excluded from the House minority bloc—continues to insist on its minority status and is seeking membership, meaning voting rights, in various committees.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, in a letter to Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, said he, Teodoro Baguilat Jr. of Ifugao, Raul Daza of Northern Samar, Edgar Erice of Caloocan City (Metro Manila), Tomasito Villarin of Akbayan party-list, Rodante Marcoleta of 1-Sagip party-list, Emmanuel Billones of Capiz and Gary Alejano of Magdalo party-list are minority members pursuant to the Rules of the House and accepted tradition.