Velasco says he was ‘ostracized’ during Cayetano leadership

Newly-installed Speaker of the House of Representatives, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco. Photo from the Office of Cong. Velasco

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Tuesday said he was “ostracized” during the term of former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

According to him, he was only “kept in one corner” and was not invited to meetings.

“Actually, para talagang in-ostracize ako. Sorry to say that,” said Velasco during the Daily Tribune’s FB Live interview.

“I was kept in one corner lang talaga to be honest,” he added.

He cited an instance where Cayetano supposedly called for a gathering with House members, and he was the only one who was not invited.

Velasco said he would not do the same to his predecessor.

“I’m really not that type of person. Forgiving naman po tayo,” he said.

The House leader earlier said he and Cayetano already made amends after their heated speakership battle.

Last week, 186 lawmakers voted to elect Velasco as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives, effectively ousting Cayetano.

The majority of lawmakers in the lower legislative body eventually ratified their election of Velasco and subsequently, Cayetano resigned from his post.

KGA