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Secretary to the Cabinet Karlo Nograles said Duterte may
choose to remain neutral on the speakership race because his preference could
“tilt the balance” and influence other parties.
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Secretary to the Cabinet Karlo Nograles said Duterte may
choose to remain neutral on the speakership race because his preference could
“tilt the balance” and influence other parties.
“It is also not farfetched that the President would not
endorse anyone because most of his pronouncements, even presidential
spokesperson Secretary Sal (Panelo) is saying that the President would not
interfere,” Nograles said in an interview with radio station dzBB.
“The President’s word wields a lot of influence,” he added.
Last Thursday, Sen. Manny Pacquiao consulted Duterte on who
PDP-Laban’s bet for the speakership would be. Among the PDP-Laban members who
are eyeing the post are former House speaker and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon
Alvarez, Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.
Nograles said Duterte has yet to decide on whether to
support anyone in the fight for House leadership.
“If he speaks, it might be an indication also for all
parties. He is not a member of Nacionalista, or NUP (National Unity Party) NPC
(Nationalist People’s Coalition) or party-list; of course, the President avoids
issuing a statement. If he does, that will tilt the balance, so to speak,” he added.
Contenders for House speaker would have to seek the support
of their colleagues in the chamber if the Chief Executive remains neutral,
according to Nograles.
“They are trying to get as much support from Congress
persons as possible,” he said.
“The top contending ones are just preparing for the
eventuality that the President will stay neutral up to the very end, then,
paramihan na lang ng boto ang mangyayari (it would be a numbers game),” he
added.
‘Unify, not divide’
No more “divisive” speakers this time around.
Officials of the House of Representatives have had enough of
a speaker who bullied them, which is why administration lawmakers have
expressed their desire to vote for an aspirant who will unify the various
interests of legislators.
“Lessons from the recent change of House leadership are
material – that House members are inclined to support a leader who knows well
his members as well as their needs and sentiments,” Oriental Mindoro Rep. Doy
Leachon said over the weekend.
“Someone whom they can always confide in – without political
considerations. Acceptability is very important. After all, the candidate will
be judged based on his personality and the motivation for his running,” the
House justice committee chief added.
House Deputy Speaker Munir Arbison sees no problem whoever
emerges as speaker by July 22 primarily because all of the aspirants are allies
of Duterte who can help him push his legislative agenda in the 18th Congress,
which will run until July 2022.
Source: Philstar
