Cayetano says stronger NUP no threat to him

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday played down the transfer of 14 lawmakers from the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to the National Unity Party (NUP), and brushed aside speculations that it was a threat to his leadership in the House of Representatives.

Cayetano said it was “healthy” for the House to have several political parties with good membership.

“We are aware of the political dynamics in the Philippines. But all [political] parties having a core, being strong and putting something into the discussion, is important,” Cayetano said.

The Speaker made the statement on the sidelines of the NUP’s meeting on Tuesday in Quezon City, which Cayetano attended.

Last week, NUP stalwarts announced that presidential son and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte was set to take his oath as adopted member of the party, along with other lawmakers from various groups who have bolted their respective parties.

The younger Duterte did not attend the meeting, but this did not stop other House members from taking their oath as NUP members.