Capiz’s Castro on speakership: Interested but not serious
MANILA, Philippines – House Majority Leader and reelected Capiz 2nd District Rep. Fredenil Castro on Tuesday said he is interested in becoming the Speaker of the lower house but is not serious in gaining the fourth-highest post in the country.
Six others lawmakers are reportedly aiming for the top House post – former speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Representatives-elect Lord Allan Velasco of Marinduque, Martin Romualdez and Lucy Torres-Gomez of Leyte, Alan Peter Cayetano of Taguig-Pateros and Loren Legarda of Antique.
READ: Alvarez seeks redemption, joins 5 others in race for next Speaker | PDP-Laban set to regain speakership
“I would be lying if I say that I’m not (interested) because it is the dream of each and every congressman but whether I’m serious to bid for the speakership, I am not. That’s why I said a while ago that I have nothing to do with that (reports naming him as one of those seeking the post),” Castro said.
The National Unity Party president said he has yet to discuss the matter with incumbent Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but said one’s political party is not a guarantee in securing the position.
The next speaker, Castro added, should have the ability to “exercise ascendancy over the rest of the members of the House, rally everything to work as a team and demonstrate the commitment of the House to be productive in trying to come out with the required legislation of the country.”
Castro added that he is willing to relinquish his post as majority leader anytime.
READ: Who is new House Majority Leader Fredenil Castro?
“I am always open to be replaced because I am working as the majority leader at the pleasure of the appointing power and my colleagues in the House. There is no one who is married to this position,” he said.
The 17th Congress will adjourn sine die on June 8, while the 18th Congress will open on July 22 with the joint session of the Senate and the House and President Rodrigo Duterte’s fourth state of the nation address. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)
