DANAO CITY – Endorsed to become the next speaker of the House of Representatives, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco received another recommendation from Hugpong ng Pagbabago chairperson and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
This time, the presidential daughter declared that Velasco can become one of the administration’s candidates for senator in 2022.
Speaking in Cebuano, Duterte told the large crowds that attended the Liloan and the Danao City HNP campaign sorties on Friday that she had endorsed Velasco, a staunch supporter of her father’s administration, to become the leader of the House of Representatives in the incoming 18th Congress.
The HNP founder said Velasco can be one of the outstanding lawmakers to become a Senate member if he will consider running for senator in 2022.
Duterte’s statement has triggered political views that Velasco has earned the trust and confidence of the mayor, known for having engineered the ouster of Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez as House Speaker and his replacement by former President now House Speaker Gloria M. Arroyo.
It also raised speculations that Duterte, inspired by the strong showing of HNP Senate bets, is now assembling candidates for senator who will join her in pursuing the presidency in 2022.
However, she doused cold water to the speculations, saying she has not yet made any plans for 2022.
“Hindi ngayon ang tamang panahon para magdesisyon ng ganyan. Sobrang layo pa ng 2022. Marami pang maaaring mangyari,” she said.
In a campaign rally in Tagbilaran City Wednesday, Duterte raised Velasco’s hand to declare support for his bid to become House Speaker.
A day before, the presidential daughter introduced incoming Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez as the next House leader.
Duterte explained that being strong supporters of the administration, she believes that the choice for the next top House leader should be limited to Velasco, Romualdez, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, and other pro-administration solons.
She pointed out that Velasco has the inside track in the speakership race because he is a member of the administration Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, President Duterte’s political party. (Ben R. Rosario)
