Balakayojan! Duterte takes hands-off stance in Speaker term-sharing deal

By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte will not meddle in the term-sharing agreement for the House speakership.

Duterte made the statement during the joint birthday celebration of Representative Velasco and his wife, Rowena, held in San Juan City Monday evening.

The House of Representatives should run its own affairs, the President said.

Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano is currently serving as Speaker for the first 15 months and will be succeeded by Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco for 21 months.

Some House members floated the idea of Cayetano serving as House Speaker for the entirety of the 18th Congress, citing his high approval and trust ratings.