IBP prexy says Velasco’s election as House speaker valid

MANILA, Philippines — The president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines on Monday said that the election of Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco as the new Speaker of the House is valid, despite that the election was held outside the premises of the Batasang Pambansa.

IBP National President Domingo Cayosa said “under the rules, Congress ideally or traditionally conducts business in Batasan, but they can agree to conduct business anywhere by majority vote.”

“This has happened in the past. It can be online. With 186 votes, they can decide to change the rules,” he said.

Incumbent Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano earlier accused Velasco’s supporters of disregarding the Constitution and are now resorting to “revolutionary government” after holding a session outside the premises of the House.

Cayetano said it is against the written formalities and rules of the House and the Constitution.

But Cayosa said: “In so far as the Constitution, it does not prescribe the details. It only says the House of Representatives will elect its officials.”

‘Illegal session’

Deputy Speaker Neptali Gonzalez II said the proceeding was a “rump and illegal session” as he argued that the House session is suspended until November 16 and that there is no authority from the plenary for the chamber to reconvene on Monday.

Gonzalez also said the maces are currently in the possession of the House Sergeant-At-Arms.

But Cayosa said they are just part of the Internal Rules of the Lower House.

“At any time, the majority of the House’ members can declare the post of Speaker vacant. That is the essence of democracy that the majority rules, and again, 186 is more than a majority,” he explained.

Declaring the Speaker’s post vacant is the first step of unseating Cayetano from his position.

“The majority prevails. Is it illegal?No, as long as the majority decided,” he said.

As to the mace, Cayosa said it was “just one of the formalities.”

EDV