Castro shuns Speakership race; floats name of Zarate

House Majority Leader Fredenil Castro. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — House Majority Leader Rep. Fredenil Castro said Saturday that he is not interested in joining the race for House Speakership in the 18th Congress.

“‘Yung pangalan ko ay nasali sa isa sa mga interesado [sa House Speakership] subalit wala akong kinalaman sa paglabas ng aking pangalan dahil sa simula’t simula pa lamang di ako sasali sa pagkarera ng congressmen sa pagka-Speaker ng House of Representatives,” Castro said in a press conference at Annabel’s Restaurant in Quezon City.

Castro said the frontrunners in the House Speakership are currently Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.

However, he said Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate can also be chosen as an alternative for the position of House Speaker.

“Ngunit hindi ko isinasantabi si Caloy Zarate sapagka’t he presents himself as alternative sa dalawang frontrunners,” Castro said.

Duterte’s bid

Castro also said the voting for House Speakership would be faster if President Rodrigo Duterte will reveal his endorsement for the post.

“Ang nagpapatagal dito ay hindi sinasabing diretso ni Presidente Rodrigo kung sino ang kanyang gusto. Yan ang nagpapatagal,” Castro said.

The congressman explained that once Duterte will mention his choice, the voting for the position of House Speaker would be “ceremonial.”

“That will change the situation in the House of Representatives maaring maging ceremonial na lang ang botohan. I am sure that everybody will troop to Malacañang and say Hallelujah,” he said. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)

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