Paolo Duterte: I did not say I want to be House Speaker

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City congressman-elect and presidential son Paolo “Pulong” Duterte on Monday clarified that he never mentioned seeking the House Speaker post.

The presidential son said this after President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to resign if he will vie for House speakership.

READ: Duterte: I will resign if Paolo runs to become House Speaker

“PULONG TO PRESIDENT DUTERTE : I DID NOT SAY I WANT TO BE SPEAKER…. may nagkamali nanaman bulong sa tenga mo Mr. President,” the younger Duterte said in a Facebook post.

https://www.facebook.com/pulongzduterte/photos/a.201977100000976/1004243553107656/?type=3&theater&_rdc=1&_rdr

During the oath-taking of several newly appointed government officials at the Malacañang Palace, the President said he will resign if Paolo seeks the House speaker post.

“Itong si Paolo, sinabi ko sa kanya: ‘If you run for speakership, let me know. Kasi kung tatakbo ka, magre-resign ako. Kasi marami na tayo. Nandyan na ang kapatid mo na mayor. So uneasy,” the president said.

(I told Paolo: ‘If you run for speakership, let me know. Because if you are running, I will resign. There are many of us. There’s your sister who is a mayor. So uneasy.)

While he insisted that he is neutral on the speakership issue, the President said he would like to speak to his son.

“My son Paolo, he’s being rooted to run. I will tell my son publicly now. We would have a talk,” Duterte said. (Editor: Eden Estopace)