Many PDP-Laban solons vow to support Romualdez’s speakership bid — Suarez

MANILA, Philippines — The vote of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) for the speakership might be divided even if the largest bloc in the House decides to field one contender for the position.

This is the fearless forecast of outgoing Minority Leader and Quezon 3rd District Rep. Danilo Suarez on Tuesday, saying many PDP-Laban members have committed their support to incoming Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party.

“Marami kasing PDP na pumirma kay Martin eh (A lot of PDP-Laban members signed the manifesto supporting Martin). They have signed their desire to make Martin the Speaker with a colatilla na ‘wag lang magbibigay ng order ang Palasyo (if Palace won’t intervene),” Suarez said in a press briefing.

When asked if he thinks the political party’s vote is bound to split, the district representative answered, “Oo, palagay ko (Yes, I think so.)”

Suarez, who is supporting Romualdez, repeated that the Leyte representative “has the edge versus other candidates.” More than 150 House members across political parties have signed the manifesto of support for Romualdez, Suarez added.

PDP-Laban which is the party of President Rodrigo Duterte, won 80 seats in the 18th Congress according to party president Senator Aquilino Pimentel III.

The ruling party is fielding former Speaker and Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, Marinduque Rep. Lord Alan Velasco, and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. for the position. They are expected to choose a final bet later this day in a meeting at Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s residence in Makati City.

Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano of the Nacionalista Party is also vying for the speakership.

Earlier, reelected Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Rep. Jericho Nograles, a member of the party-list coalition, said their 54-member group has narrowed down their choice between Velasco and Romualdez.

READ: Party-list coalition’s choice for speaker down to Velasco, Romualdez  – solon

The next Speaker will be elected at the opening of the 18th Congress on July 22. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)