The Partido Liberal ng Pilipinas confirmed a slate of leadership appointments following deliberations of its National Executive Council and Officers (NECO), formalizing changes discussed during a meeting held Friday.
Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima was designated as party chairperson, while human rights lawyer Erin Tañada was named party president. The party also announced Albay Rep. Krisel Lagman as executive vice president, Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso Umali as treasurer, and former Quezon City Rep. Kit Belmonte as secretary-general.
The council likewise conferred the title of chair emeritus on Sen. Francis Pangilinan, recognizing his role within the party. Addressing members, Pangilinan underscored the LP’s long-held positions against political dynasties and authoritarian governance, and reiterated its pro-democracy stance.
He also urged members to focus on organizational readiness ahead of future national contests, expressing confidence in the party’s prospects in the next election cycle. “Sa pamamagitan ng pagsasanib-puwersa ng pinakamalawak na hanay sa pagkilos, ang halalan 2028, tulad ng halalan 2025, at hihigit pa—atin ang 2028. Nasa ating mga kamay, nasa ating nagkakaisang mga kamay, para ipanalo ito,” Pangilinan said.
Reaffirming the party’s advocacy, he added: “Kahit hindi uso, lumaban tayo para sa katotohanan at para sa karapatang pantao. Hindi tayo umatras. Hindi tayo nagpapasailalim sa banta sa dignidad, banta sa buhay, at banta sa kalayaan.”
Pangilinan also referenced the party’s historical opposition to authoritarian rule, saying, “Lumaban ang Partidong Liberal sa malupit na diktadura. Lumaban para sa kalayaang pumili ng mga pinuno ng bayan. Hindi tayo nagpapasailalim sa mga hamon ng panahon,” he added.
