VICE President Sara Duterte revealed on Saturday, May 17, that she suggested her brother, reelected Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, consider running for House Speaker or Minority Leader in the upcoming 20th Congress.
In a briefing, Duterte stated, “I told Congressman Pulong, ‘Maybe you’d like to run for Speaker.’ He hasn’t responded yet. He’s probably considering his chances of winning.” She added, “I told him, ‘If you don’t win as Speaker, then take the minority leadership.’ I don’t have a candidate for Speaker or Senate President. No one has approached me for either position.”
Meanwhile, allies of incumbent Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed unwavering confidence in his reelection. Deputy Speaker David “Jay-Jay” Suarez reported that over 240 congressmen have signed a manifesto of support for Romualdez.
Suarez stated, “Looking at the numbers alone, we’re certain that Speaker Martin Romualdez will continue as Speaker of the House for the next three years. We’re very confident with the support shown by the different parties.” This support encompasses lawmakers from major political blocs including Lakas-CMD, National Unity Party (NUP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Nacionalista Party (NP), Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), and the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI).
Suarez emphasized the importance of a stable and unified Congress, saying, “The next three years are critical for our country. It’s crucial that Congress remains stable and united behind President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos.”
He clarified that Friday’s meeting of party leaders was not a loyalty check, stating, “It was more of a meet and greet.” The Vice President’s suggestion adds an interesting dynamic to the upcoming leadership selection process in the House of Representatives.
