Velasco endorses Romualdez as next House Speaker
MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Tuesday endorsed Majority Leader Martin Romualdez as the Speaker of the lower chamber in the 19th Congress.
During their meeting in Makati City, Velasco said that Romualdez’ election as the Speaker of the 19th Congress “will ensure that the legislative agenda of the incoming administration will be pursued and completed.”
“Romualdez has my support and friendship,” Velasco said.
Velasco likewise thanked Romualdez for being a “steady partner and ally” in the 18th Congress.
“His strong leadership and support as our Majority Leader were crucial to the passage of relevant and timely pandemic-response measures and the approval of important and key laws that will have an immense impact to stir and sustain our economic growth and development as we continue to navigate to new normal,” Velasco said.
“Under his watch, the House was able to carry on and carry out its mandate despite physical limitations due to the pandemic with the passage of priority legislative measures of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” he added.
Current House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco endorses Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, cousin of presumptive president Bongbong Marcos Jr., as the next Speaker. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/x5poYjASPf
— Neil Arwin Mercado (@NAMercadoINQ) May 17, 2022
Following Velasco’s endorsement, Romualdez said: “I am grateful for your support. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Speaker Velasco.”
During the meeting, the two House leaders also discussed the upcoming Congress’ canvassing of the votes for the presidential and vice-presidential elections.
The Senate and the House will resume sessions on May 23 and begin their canvassing, as the National Board of Canvassers, on May 24 at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City.
READ: Congress canvassing of votes for president, VP to begin May 24
Also present in the meeting were former Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo, incoming Party-list Foundation Coalition Inc. President and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, senior Deputy Majority Leader and Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo “Pido” Garbin.
