MANILA, Philippines – Biñan City, Laguna Lone District Rep. Marlyn “Len” Alonte is the newest deputy speaker in the House of Representatives.
Alonte became the 33rd deputy speaker as she was elected by colleagues during Thursday’s session.
The Biñan City representative, who was previously deputy majority leader, was then replaced by Quezon City 4th District Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay.
Currently, the 33 deputy speakers under the leadership of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco make it the most number in the lower chamber’s history. Some of the incumbent deputy speakers, however, were elected during the speakership of Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano.
While some deputy speakers retained their posts, others such as Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor and Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Ray “LRay” Villafuerte were booted out due to their loyalty to Cayetano.
Deputy speakers are the second-highest-ranking officials of the Philippine House of Representatives, and they preside over the session if the Speaker is absent.