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| Rep. Velasco in Marinduque June 30 for the inauguration ceremonies of elected provincial officials |
In a joint statement, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo
Duterte of Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, Davao 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab of
Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HMP) and seven other lawmakers said they formed the
alliance after some Cabinet members have reportedly chosen their Speaker bet. The HNP was founded by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, a daughter of the
President and Paolo’s sister.
In stressing the independence of the Executive and the
Legislative branches of government, the coalition noted that Cabinet members
serve only on the basis of the trust and confidence of the President and should
not participate in the selection of the House Speaker.
“Meanwhile, Congressmen and Congresswomen are elected and
serve a mandate with an authority direct from the people. These lawmakers are
the only rightful electorate for their leader,” they added.
According to them, the Duterte Coalition is “a strategic
partnership of dynamic public servants who are committed to institute
governance and development reforms that are necessary for the Philippines to
secure its rightful place in the world stage of nations, particularly in the
Southeast Asian region.”
“We have created the Duterte Coalition and we wish to invite
everyone to join this group of lawmakers who believe in positive change,” the
group said in a joint statement.
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| Rep, Paolo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio |
Rep. Velasco issues statement
In a statement on the newly-formed Duterte Coalition Rep. Lord Allan Velasco said:
"I welcome the formation of the Duterte Coalition whose
intention is to unite the House of Representatives and push a strategic
partnership between and among public servants who are deeply committed to
institute reforms for better governance and development.
"I am one with the call and aspirations of the newly-formed
coalition and implore my fellow lawmakers in Congress to set aside their
personal ambitions and agenda and join the Duterte Coalition so together we can
build a House of Representatives that is united and stronger, a House that
truly represents the people."
