National Unity Party backs Cayetano’s speakership bid

MANILA, Philippines — The National Unity Party (NUP) is backing the speakership bid of Taguig Representative-elect Alan Peter Cayetano in the coming 18th Congress, the political party’s chairman Ronaldo Puno said Monday.

Puno underscored that the party is  “committed to supporting” Cayetano who has the “competence and proven ability to support and help carry out the programs and policies” of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Brian Yamsuan, party secretary-general, said the NUP has 38 members in the next Congress.

“We believe in a speaker who has a principled approach in trusting the institution and protecting its integrity, which are essential in the things the NUP is fighting for,” Puno said.

“For these reasons, the NUP leadership is supporting for Speaker of the House of Representatives Former Congressman, former Senator, former Foreign Affairs Secretary and now Congressman-elect Alan Peter Cayetano, who is someone all congressmen can count on and look up to,” he added.

Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez are also among the front runners for the position.

READ: Duterte, Sara won’t meddle in fight for speakership

Cayetano is from the Nacionalista Party, while Alvarez and Velasco are from the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan, and Romualdez is from Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.

The 17th Congress will adjourn sine die on June 8.

The next 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: Gilbert S. Gaviola)