Pulong, allies join NUP; House abuzz anew

Reports of presidential son and Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte joining the National Unity Party (NUP) has again raised speculations of an impending shake-up in the leadership of the House of Representatives, barely two weeks after the opening of the 18th Congress and Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano’s election as House Speaker.

Fredenil Castro, Capiz representative and former NUP president, said it was “probable” that Duterte would be adopted as an NUP member, though he declined to disclose further details.

“I am not aware of his motivations,” Castro said, referring to the Davao City lawmaker.

In his nomination speech for Cayetano on July 22, the young Duterte aired his objection to the term-sharing deal, adding that this will only push through if the House members consent.

ACT-CIS party list Rep. Niña Taduran said she, Representative Duterte and three other fellow party list lawmakers were also set to join the NUP.

“This will help ACT-CIS widen its affiliation in achieving the national goal toward a progressive nation. However, we, in the ACT-CIS party list will retain our membership in the [Party-list Coalition Foundation],” she said. —MELVIN GASCON