Castro on Duterte’s speakership bid: ‘Democracy does not discriminate’

MANILA, Philippines – The possibility of having two Dutertes at the helm of two government branches is an exhibit of democracy’s beauty, Majority floor leader and Capiz 2nd District Rep. Fredenil Castro said Thursday.

According to Castro, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte’s relation to his father, President Rodrigo Duterte will not bastardize the government institutions. Paolo is a contender in the Speaker race.

“That is the beauty of democracy, that no one is disqualified simply because that he is the President’s son, the cousin or his brother, or someone who is close to the President,” he said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

“Democracy does not discriminate,” he added.  “It is the beauty of democracy because everybody is given a chance, he is not judged because of his relationship, he will be judged on the basis of his actions.”

Castro is supporting Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez for Speaker. Romualdez is running against Duterte, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales.

“I’m supporting Martin Romualdez, because he is the most qualified.  You know, Martin Romualdez has demonstrated his ability to organize or create a very strong coalition that would push forward the legislative agenda of the President and all matters that will have to be acted by the House,” he explained.

READ: Duterte meets 3 bets for House Speaker in Tokyo

Castro noted that the President’s supposed decision not to anoint anyone — even if candidates are seeking his endorsement — enforces the Constitutional mandate of separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislative.

“The President has been very consistent, and his pronouncement is still unchanged, he will not interfere with the affairs of the House of the Representatives including the election of Speaker,”

Last Tuesday, Paolo Duterte said he is considering joining the speakership race to unite the House, which has been divided into several blocs because of the speakership race.  He also proposed the idea of a term-sharing, where lawmakers from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and party-list organizations have a chance of becoming House Speaker.

READ: Paolo Duterte sets sights on House speakership

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This ran in contrast to the earlier pronouncements of Paolo Duterte that he would not vie for the Speakership.  Previously, President Duterte also said that he would resign if his son runs for Speaker. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)

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

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