The three contenders for House Speaker have agreed to unite and respect President Duterte’s decision on the speakership race.
A well-placed source said the decision was arrived at during the meeting of “Duterte Coalition” leaders – Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte – with speakership bets Reps. Martin Romualdez of Leyte, Lord Allan Velasco of Marinduque, and Alan Peter Cayetano of Taguig-Pateros in Davao City last Saturday.
“The contenders agreed to respect, honor the President’s decision. They agreed to rally behind the President’s legislative agenda,” the source said.
The source said the three speakership bets have left their fate to President Duterte.
Another source said President Duterte might declare his candidate for House Speaker soon to ensure the stability of the House leadership and ensure the immediate approval of his priority reform measures.
“The President might change his decision and might finally pick his choice soon to end the heated speakership race, ensure the stability of the House as an institution, and ensure the swift passage of his priority legislative reforms,” the source said.
The Chief Executive had earlier said he would not endorse any speakership bet.
Rep. Duterte described the meeting as cordial said they discussed the progress of the country.
Meanwhile, leaders of three powerful blocs in the House of Representatives continue to vouch for the leadership and credentials of Romualdez, saying that he is the most logical choice for the fourth highest post in the land.
Citing the results of a survey, Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro, president of the National Unity Party, said Romualdez is the top choice of their constituents in the legislative districts.
“All aspirants for speakership deserve the position but for majority of the congressmen, Cong. Martin is the most logical choice for the top House post,” he said.
“Not only is he a kindred spirit to his colleagues in Congress; Cong. Martin is also well-respected due to his vast experience in public and private sector governance. Based on results of the latest survey, he is also the choice of our constituents in the legislative districts,” he added. (Charissa L. Atienza)