Outgoing senator and incoming Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano strongly denied on Monday that she would contest the speakership when the 17th Congress opens in July.
Cayetano issued the statement following reports that she could join the speakership race, considering her experience and credentials as a member of Congress.
READ: Pia Cayetano for Speaker?
On the contrary, the senator said she would support the “chosen” candidate of presumptive President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte’s for the post, which, according to reports, is incoming Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez.
Cayetano decried what she described as attempts to sow intrigue and division within the Duterte camp.
“There are reports coming out saying that if Rep. Alvarez fails to unite a ‘powerful’ majority coalition, he may lose the post to me. I am categorically denying these claims. I have no plans whatsoever to contest the speakership,” she said in a statement.
READ: Digong’s party eyes Alvarez as Speaker
“I am confident that President-elect Rody Duterte will make the right choice in endorsing the next House leader. I will support whoever he chooses and I remain committed to helping him build a more unified Congress,” she added.
Cayetano is the sister of Duterte’s running mate, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, in the last May elections. JE/rga