Duterte has last say on PDP-Laban House speaker nominee — Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will have the last say on who will be the nominee of the ruling party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), Senator Manny Pacquiao revealed Wednesday.

Pacquiao said he is set to meet with Duterte, who chairs PDP-Laban, before he leaves for the United States on Saturday for his boxing match.

“Siya (Duterte) ang last say,” Pacquiao told reporters in Pasay City when asked if Duterte will have the last say on the House speaker nominee of the ruling party.

What if Duterte picks a House speaker aspirant who is not a member of PDP-Laban?

Pacquiao said they would suggest that the President select someone from the party.

“Kung mag-suggest ang Pangulo na hindi PDP, ayun saka ako mag-suggest na kailangan PDP… tsaka tayo mag-suggest na kailangan PDP kasi PDP ang Pangulo natin,” Pacquiao said.
(If the President suggests a nominee who is not a party member, I will suggest that he chose someone from PDP because the President belongs to PDP.)

“Suggest lang. Siya ang last say (I will suggest, but he has the last say),” the senator added.

Pacquiao said it is important for the nominee of the ruling party to get the “blessing” of Duterte as well as the party’s president, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.

“Actually hindi naman talaga nangingialam si Presidente. Pero [kailangan] pagbigay ng honor at respeto sa ating pangulo, kailangan [rin ng nominee] makuha ang basbas nya at syempre yung presidente ng partido natin,” Pacquiao said.

(The President does not really meddle, but as a sign of honor and respect, the nominee must get the blessing of the president and the party.)

Pacquiao said the party is eyeing to select the party’s nominee before Saturday.

READ: PDP-Laban to announce House Speaker nominee before Saturday — Pacquiao

On Tuesday night, Pimentel and House speakership aspirants Davao del Norte and former House speaker Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. met at Pacquiao’s residence in Makati to discuss the House speakership position.

Pimentel said the meeting was “nice,” and “very friendly with great camaraderie.”

The PDP-Laban president said Pacquiao will announce the decision of the party regarding their choice for the post. (Editor: Eden Estopace)

READ: Pacquiao to announce PDP-Laban bet for speakership – Pimentel