President Duterte’s hands-off policy in the battle for House Speaker should be respected, Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. said yesterday.
“As far as the speakership race is concerned, I think the President has made it clear that he wants to stay neutral, the contenders are all his allies. I am urging the contenders not to bother the President because he has so many pressing problems in our country,” said Pichay who served as House Deputy Speaker in the previous 17th Congress.
The Mindanao solon made the call after it was reported that members of the Executive and Legislative departments have been trying to persuade Duterte to intervene in the speakership race and pick a bet.
“I also urge other government officials to keep their hands off the speakership race. They should stop pressuring the President to endorse a speakership aspirant of their choice,” added Pichay, a member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party.
Pichay said officials of the Executive and Legislative branches must respect the President’s decision not to dip his fingers in the speakership fight as this guarantees the unity and independence of the current 18th Congress.
“I urge the contenders to campaign for the speakership among the lawmakers because whoever has the numbers will have the mandate. If you have the mandate, it is easier for us to pass the legislative agenda of the President because you have the support of the majority of lawmakers,” he pointed out.
Duterte had earlier said he would rather not reveal his personal pick as House Speaker and not do any underground moves since the congressmen-aspirants “were all his friends and allies.”
The Chief Executive said he would let the 305 congressmen to decide who the next House Speaker will be.
“Whoever will emerge as the speaker will have a mandate,” Pichay said.
He said the three top contenders for House Speaker – Reps. Martin Romualdez (Leyte), Alan Peter S. Cayetano (Taguig-Pateros), and Lord Allan Velasco (Marinduque) – are all qualified for the top House position. (Ellson Quismorio)