Cayetano says only him, accounts chair should step down after 15 months

Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, President Rodrigo Duterte’s endorsed Speaker, meets some House members on Wednesday night. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, the House Speaker endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte, wants a non-disruptive turn-over of leadership in the chamber where only him and the still to be chosen Committee on Accounts chair would step down after their 15-month term.

The President’s 2016 vice-presidential running mate said this during his meeting with some lawmakers, including Romualdez, Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales, Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel, and Oriental Mindoro 1st District Rep. Doy Leachon in Taguig City Wednesday evening.

Cayetano, according to Duterte, would share the three-year term with Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco while Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez would be the Majority Leader. Cayetano would serve for the first 15 months, with Velasco taking over the remaining 21 months.

READ: Duterte ends speakership squabble | Duterte pushes for Cayetano-Velasco term-sharing for Speaker

“Nakikiusap ako, let’s make it the least disruptive in terms of internally. So, kung pupuwede lang, ang magpapalit lang after 15 months Speaker and Chairman ng Committee on Accounts. Kung puwede, lahat ng iba, wala nang palitan para one family na lang talaga,” Cayetano told the House members present.

The former Foreign Affairs Chief also said he met with Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda and agreed that the chamber’s Deputy Speakers, aside from coming from various geographical areas, would have specific designations, for example, Deputy Speaker for Finance, Ecology, Environment Health, Internal Affairs.

“Siya ang parang chairman of the board pero CEO pa rin ang chairman. Aside from the geographical na deputy speakers…” Cayetano explained.

Romualdez meanwhile vowed to “solidly” support the leadership of Cayetano.

“[When] the President spoke, we immediately and instantaneously, and we are here rallying behind you. From the bottom of my heart, on behalf of this group, on behalf of those who were not even here, we are firmly, solidly, unanimously behind your leadership,” Romualdez said.

“Please take care of us. We would take good care of you,” he added.

Cayetano also asked those present to request their committee preferences, either by group or individually. He said he would meet members of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan on Thursday, but unsure if Velasco would be there. /muf