By Prince Golez
President Rodrigo Duterte will not interfere in the race to replace House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Arroyo’s term as speaker of the House of Representatives will end on June 30.
When asked if the next House speaker will come from the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said: “Hindi ko alam. Hindi naman siya nakikialam pagdating sa mga eleksyon diyan sa Congress eh.”
Panelo on Monday said Malacañang is leaving the election for Speaker of the House up to Congress.
“Kasi Presidente nga, since he’s not interfering with the functions of both Houses. Kasi as far as the President is concerned: Hinalal kayo diyan, alam ninyo naman iyong mga tungkulin ninyo,” according to him.
“Tayong lahat ay mga workers of the government, dapat palagi ang lahat ng gagawin natin, pabor sa mga kababayan natin at sa ating bansa,” he added.
Vying for the House speaker post are Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, and Taguig City Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano.
