Representative Karlo Nograles said the camp of Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has created a transition team tasked to talk with the House of Representatives’ previous leadership.
Nograles relayed in an interview with reporters on Tuesday afternoon that Arroyo’s camp had a luncheon meeting where matters concerning the transition between the two House leaders were discussed.
“Nag-form ng transition team, they’re now negotiating. Walang head, basta five-man team, nandyan si (representatives) Ranie Abu, Fred Castro, Toto Defensor, Miro Quimbo, at si Art Yap,” Nograles said after the former president arrived inside the House premises.
“(The transition team was created) just to ensure the smooth transition ngayong hapong ito, pag-open natin ng session,” he added.
Nograles also noted that they want to prioritize the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, in order for President Rodrigo Duterte to sign it.
“Ang priority kasi namin is ‘yong Bangsamoro Organic Law. We have to pass the Bangsamoro Organic Law (this afternoon). We have to do it, we need a smooth transition for us to be able to do it,” he explained.
“Let’s do our jobs. Nagsalita na si Presidente kahapon, sinabi niya na importante sa kanya within 48 hours […] he wants to sign it, obviously depending on sa pag-appreciate niya ng laman ng Bangsamoro Organic Law,” he added.
The lawmaker also defended the legitimacy of Arroyo’s election as House speaker, saying that “there is nothing to correct” with what transpired on Monday.
“We stand by our position that the proceedings yesterday was valid, legal, and binding, period. Tapos na ‘yon, nagsalita na ang mayorya, nagsalita na po ang kongreso, plenary powers reside in majority members of the house, and that is the position of the House of Representatives as a position,” he added. /vvp