DEPUTY Speaker David “Jay-jay” Suarez of Quezon on Monday questioned the reason behind Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco’s decision to withhold support for Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, saying the overwhelming backing of nearly 300 lawmakers for the incumbent leader is already a compelling demonstration of unity.
Suarez, responding to an ambush interview by the media during the House Quad Comm hearing, pointed to the sheer size of the supermajority’s endorsement of Speaker Romualdez as retaining the speakership for the coming 20th Congress.
“Well, if you look at the support that Speaker Romualdez has garnered and continues to maintain, 285 congressmen have signed the manifesto of support,” Suarez told reporters.
Suarez emphasized that the manifesto was not just a symbolic gesture, but a reflection of broad consensus for the continuing leadership of Speaker Romualdez.
“I think that is a true sign of unity when it comes to the members of the House of Representatives wherein we want continuity, we want true leadership that can address the issues being faced by our country,” Suarez said.
Suarez also underscored that the prevailing sentiment among incoming lawmakers was for stability and leadership continuity.
“And if there is unity that needs to be shown, I think the manifesto of support that Speaker Martin Romualdez has gained as of this moment is a true sign of unity in the House of Representatives,” he said.
The manifesto, which began circulating after the 2025 local elections, has been signed by a majority of newly elected and reelected members of the incoming 20th Congress. (END)
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