Las Pinas Rep. Camille Villar has declined the post of House Deputy Speaker just hours after she was elected last Wednesday.
“It’s an opportune time to work with my fellow congressmen and the leaders of the House of Representatives on policy measures that would give and personal economic relief to our kababayans amid the past disasters and the pandemic,” Villar said in her letter dated Nov. 18 to the House Speaker Lord Velasco.
“But the greater tact is adherent responsibility to our constituents, the adroit loyalty to our allies and friends, and the constant affinity to the leadership and nation,” she added.
Velasco’s office nor the Office of the Speaker has yet to make a comment on Villar’s letter as of press time.
Nevertheless, Villar said “rest assured that I am committed to your goals as a partner in development and will support your legislative agenda in the formation of a Congress of the people. My sincere gratitude and appreciation.”
Villar, a member of the Nacionalista Party, the party of the ousted Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano whom Velasco replaced, replaced one of the deputy speakers identified with Cayetano who lost their posts Wednesday night. Villar is the only daughter of real estate tycoon Manuel Villar and incumbent Senator Cynthia Villar.
Aside from Villar, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Buhay Partylist Rep. Jose Atienza were elected as new deputy speakers, replacing Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro, Laguna Rep, Dan Fernandez and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu.