ROXAS City – In the latest power struggle in the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker Cong. Mikee Romero of the 1-Pacman party-list was replaced yesterday by Capiz 2nd District’s Cong. Fredenil Castro.
Romero was a supporter of Marinduque’s Cong. Lord Allan Velasco who wanted to replace House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.
Deputy Majority Leader Xavier Jesus Romualdo moved for the revamp in the House leadership during the plenary deliberations on the proposed P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021.
No lawmaker objected, and the motion was approved.
Some two hours before his new leadership appointment, Castro – a supporter of Cayetano – challenged Velasco and allies to resign from their leadership posts if they were not willing to cooperate with the incumbent House Speaker.
In a privilege speech during the budget deliberations, Castro urged his colleagues to unite and work together for the timely passage of the budget for 2021, amid the speakership row hounding the chamber.
“For those who cannot or will not join us in this task – I have one simple request – at dahil mahilig din naman kayo mag-invoke ng palabra de honor, panindigan na ninyo (and since you like invoking the ‘word of honor’ then stand by it). Resign your leadership positions and let those who are willing to help take over,” Castro said.
The Capiz congressman said, “There is no shame in admitting defeat at the hands of a better foe, but it is not fitting to pretend to be part of the team, while betraying your colleagues and undermining the efforts of Congress.”
Castro claimed that Cayetano will not be replaced as the House’s top leader even with the existing term-sharing agreement with Velasco, arguing that the Marinduque congressman does not have the numbers to take over the chamber’s helm.
“Kahit araw-araw magbitiw si Speaker Cayetano, araw-araw din siyang ibabalik ng mga miyembro ng Kongreso (Even if Speaker Cayetano resigns everyday, he will still be reinstalled by members of Congress),” Castro said.
Cayetano offered to step down in a speech before fellow lawmakers on Wednesday, but the House plenary voted to reject his resignation.
Velasco, however, reminded Cayetano that the turnover date of the speakership is on Oct. 14, as agreed upon during their meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night
“To Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, it was only last night when you promised to resign on Oct. 14 when the President ordered you to honor the term-sharing agreement. Ito ay usapang lalaki (It was gentlemen’s agreement),” Velasco said.
Velasco noted that during the meeting with the President, they also committed to pass the budget on Oct. 14.
“Oct. 14 was chosen as the date for the turnover because we committed to pass the budget before Oct. 14 and do nothing else that would disrupt or derail the process,” said Velasco. (Philippine News Agency/PN)
