House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said yesterday he would rather stay in his post even after his 15-month stint as provided for under the term-sharing agreement brokered by President Duterte.
In a television interview, Cayetano was asked if he would like to continue his mandate as House Speaker and he replied in the affirmative. “Yes, it is good to be connected to the people of Congress,” he said.
But he clarified that nothing has changed as far as the 15-21 term-sharing pact is concerned.
“Hindi ko maiwasan na ‘yung ibang congressmen sa sobrang taas ng pride ngayon sa Congress, very productive, record time ng pagpasa ng budget, good relationship with the Cabinet, record attendance, record number of bills na naipasa, so they are talking about no term-sharing. But as far I am concerned, ‘yun ang usapan, di ba, at sinabi ko sa Pangulo, I’ll go to him for instructions, he is the head of the coalition. As far as I am concerned, walang nagbago,” Cayetano said.
He said as of now, he is now focused on keeping the legislative mill grinding.
“You never know what the situation is 15 months from now. And in the meantime, it helps me focused,” Cayetano said, admitting that his 15-month stint in the House is “very short.”
Under the term-sharing agreement, Velasco will assume the House speakership in November 2020.
Duterte endorsed Cayetano as House Speaker for the first 15 months while Velasco of the ruling PDP-Laban party would assume the fourth highest post in the land for the last 21 months of the 18th Congress.
The Chief Executive named Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, another contender for House Speaker, as the House Majority Leader. They all gave in to President’s decision. (Charissa L. Atienza)