The President’s son, Deputy Speaker and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte on Thursday distanced himself from the term-sharing deal that his father brokered between Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.
In a statement posted to a Viber group of congressmen, Duterte said Cayetano and Velasco are both his friends.
“As I am all for a unified House, and given the value I place in every member of Congress, I refuse to make any statement that will favor or damage either of my two good friends who are both asserting their right to be our speaker,” the congressman said.
Duterte’s statement came after Velasco sought his help, a source close to the congressman said.
Under the original term-sharing agreement, Cayetano would hold the speakership for 15 months and Velasco would take over to finish the succeeding 21 months.
But as his part of the term draws near, Cayetano seems reluctant to turn over the speakership.
The younger Duterte maintained he will support a “unifying” speaker who will push for the legislative agenda of the administration as well as the development and progress of congressional districts, and move Congress to work as one.
“And when we do make that decision, I hope we can find it in our hearts to vote for someone, not just for convenience or affiliation, but whom we feel strongly can represent the House with the dignity that it deserves,” the congressman said.
He added that he is hopeful that House members will respect whoever wins as speaker.
“For a year and a half, I have formed many friendships in the 18th Congress. Of these, two of those that I treasure most are those with Speaker Alan Cayetano and congressman Lord Velasco,” the congressman said.