Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. INQUIRER file photo / JUNJIE MENDOZA
MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo shot down Monday questions on who should be the next leader of the House of Representatives in the coming 18th Congress.
“I’m not talking about the speakership,” was all that she said when asked about the race for Speaker.
Former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, presidential son and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, outgoing Senator and now Antique Rep. Loren Legarda, former Foreign Affairs Secretary and now Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, Marinduque Rep. Lord Velasco, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. have been floated as among contenders for the speakership.
So far, Alvarez, Velasco, Cayetano, and Romualdez have confirmed their intentions to become Speaker. Legarda, on the other hand, said vying for the speakership is not in her “radar.”
READ: Legarda on House speakership: ‘It’s not in my radar’
Outgoing Minority Leader Danilo Suarez earlier claimed over a hundred House members across political parties are throwing their support to Romualdez for the position. If there won’t be any directive from the Palace, Suarez said said Romualdez already has the advantage.
READ: Romualdez Speakership bid gets support from 126 House members
Suarez also claimed Romualdez would get Arroyo’s support.
“Palagay ko naman if GMA will be given the option to nominate or make a statement kung sino ang preferred nya maging leader ng House sa 18th Congress I think she will recommend si congressman Romualdez,” he said.
Velasco, meanwhile, said he has the “trust and confidence” of President Rodrigo Duterte as well as presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Alvarez, however, said he would cancel his bid to become Speaker if Paolo Duterte confirms plans of seeking the position. But Suarez advised against Paolo Duterte vying for speakership, citing “delicadeza” and possible public uproar.
READ: House minority leader rejects ‘Pulong’ as possible speaker
The 17th Congress will adjourn sine die on June 8. The 18th Congress will open on July 22, the same day that the next Speaker would be elected and the President would deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)