MANILA, Philippines – Former House Majority Leader and Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro on Wednesday said he would “seriously study” his possible minority leadership bid in the 18th Congress by seeking guidance from his allies and senior colleagues in the House.
It was Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda who hinted at Castro’s possible move in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.
He also said the Duterte Coalition’s bet for speaker, Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab, may get the chairmanship of the powerful appropriations panel.
READ: Castro, Ungab may land key House positions – Salceda
“I am seriously studying whether I could maintain my balance considering the hairline difference between being a minority member from an opposition; this is because critical collaboration as distinguished from being destructive is called for,” Castro added in a statement.
The veteran lawmaker said he would “wait for guidance” on the matter.
Pressed on whose guidance he would seek, Castro replied: “Guidance which may result from my soul searching and well-meaning friends and senior colleagues in the House.”
Both Salceda and Castro supported the speakership bid of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, given President Rodrigo Duterte’s previous hands-off stance on the House leadership.
But in a speech during the oath-taking of newly appointed officials in Malacañang Monday, Duterte endorsed Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano’s term-sharing arrangement with Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.
The President also said Romualdez would be the Majority Leader.
READ: Duterte pushes for Cayetano-Velasco term-sharing for Speaker | Duterte ends speakership squabble
Romualdez accepted the position, according to Salceda who had admitted he would get the appropriations committee if the former gets elected as Speaker. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)
READ: Salceda: Romualdez to follow Duterte decision on House leadership