House minority leader rejects ‘Pulong’ as possible Speaker

MANILA, Philippines – The possibility of presidential son and Davao City Representative-elect Paolo “Pulong” Duterte becoming House of Representatives speaker may not sit well with the public, outgoing House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez pointed out on Monday.

“I really doubt if people will accept ang presidente ay si Pangulong Duterte at ang speaker anak mo, medyo marami nang magtataas ng kilay na mga tao… Siguro kung hindi Presidente ang Pangulong Digong, he may have a chance getting a crack at the leadership (It will raise  eyebrows when the President’s son becomes House speaker),” Suarez said in an interview.

In a separate interview with ANC, he cited “delicadeza” in opposing the younger Duterte’s possible speakership bid.

The presidential son and former Davao City vice mayor has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

“Pero yung ika nga delicadeza dictates ‘yung President tapos speaker anak mo, sayang, the opportunity medyo hindi, hindi sa advantage niya ang pangulo ay tatay niya, siguro ang taumbayan medyo mag-iisip ng kaunting division ng authority ng ating panunungkulan,” the outgoing Quezon 3rd District congressman added.

READ: Sara’s remarks vs Alvarez, Cayetano to affect speakership race – Suarez

The ‘contenders’

Former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Marinduque Rep. Lord Velasco, incoming Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano,  Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, incoming Antique Rep. Loren Legarda and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. have been floated as among the contenders for House speaker.

READ: Sara Duterte a factor in search for next Speaker – minority boss

Suarez had said that he and more than a hundred House members across political parties are backing Romualdez’s bid.

If there won’t be any directive from the Palace, he said Romualdez already has the advantage.

READ:  Romualdez Speakership bid gets support from 126 House members

He called on his fellow legislators not to base their vote on the President nor Davao city Mayor Sara-Duterte’s preference.

“Now the present problem of this country is very serious, we have unemployment, hunger the economy doesn’t look good and the leader of the House should be judged by the ability run this and confront these problems and not because you are recommended by whom,” he said.

Suarez also expressed confidence that outgoing speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would support Romualdez.  (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)