Defensor predicts Duterte endorsement if he sees numbers for Romualdez as Speaker

MANILA, Philippines—The support of the majority of members of the House of Representatives for Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez would likely make President Rodrigo Duterte publicly endorse Romualdez as Speaker of the 18th Congress, according to a legislator.

Duterte had vowed to keep his hands off the race for Speaker as all the aspirants were his allies and friends.

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However, Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor said Duterte might change his mind and support Romualdez once the President sees the manifesto signed by more than 160 congressmen in support of Romualdez’s bid to become Speaker.

“Right now, the President is sticking to his position not to interfere in the speakership race,” Defensor said at a recent forum in Quezon City.

“But I believe that he will eventually change his position and endorse Cong. Martin as Speaker once he sees the final tally in the manifesto of support,” Defensor said.

Two other veteran lawmakers—Fredenil Castro and Joey Salceda—also expressed confidence that Romualdez had the edge of numbers in the race for Speaker.

“I will not disclose the exact numbers, but all I can say, Cong. Martin has the numbers, more than enough and determinative, to catapult him to the Speakership,” said Castro, who won reelection and was majority leader of the 17th Congress.

“The signatures not only meant that the majority of congressmen would vote for Cong. Martin as Speaker on July 22,” said Salceda.

“These congressmen are committed [to] gathering signatures for Cong. Martin to ensure his overwhelming victory in the opening of Congress,” Salceda added. (Editor: Tony Bergonia)/ac

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