HNP fields Davao City Rep. Ungab in Speaker race

MANILA, Philippines — The Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) which was formed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is fielding returning Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab for the Speaker race, the regional political party announced early Wednesday.

HNP also asked Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano to take the Majority Leader position, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco to take the powerful appropriations committee, and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez to head the accounts panel. All of them are vying for the highest seat in the House.

The group added that it understands if President Rodrigo Duterte rejects out of “delicadeza,” the tentative plan of his son Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte to join the House speakership race.

READ: Paolo Duterte sets sights on House speakership | Paolo Duterte threatens to join House speakership race

“We understand if President Duterte, because of delicadeza, will not accept the intent of our brother from Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, Congressman Paolo Duterte, to resolve the conflict among candidates. Therefore, we are endorsing the bid of Congressman Isidro Ungab for Speaker,” the party, with three incumbent congressmen from the Davao Region, said in a statement.

In a separate statement, Ungab said he abides by the decision of HNP which he said is now “open to work with everyone.” He also vowed to push the President’s legislative agenda.

“HNP hopes that everyone will aim for and work towards unity and cooperation in order to establish a strong and efficient House. Rest assured that HNP has a vision of a House that will truly work for and serve the best interest and welfare of the Filipino people,” the lawmaker added.

Ungab, the party said, is a four-term congressman and the only lawmaker to hold the chairmanships of both the ways and means and appropriations committees.

The President on May 27, vowed to resign if his Paolo joins the House speakership race. On Tuesday, Paolo reversed his earlier decision not to seek the post, saying he might be able to “help unite” the “divided” chamber.

READ: Duterte: I will resign if Paolo runs to become House Speaker

Duterte-Carpio, who was rumored to be backing her close friend Velasco, said she was surprised by her brother’s pronouncement and insisted the President’s earlier promise to resign.

“The President already said he will resign if Cong. Pulong will (vie) for the Speaker of the House,” she said.

READ: Paolo Duterte’s joining Speakership race surprises Inday Sara 

House members will elect the new Speaker at the inaugural opening of the 18th Congress on July 22.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)