By Prince Golez

Malacanang has advised the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to cast through a secret ballot its candidate for speakership in the 18th Congress.

In a media briefing on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo reiterated that President Rodrigo Duterte would not meddle in the selection of the next speaker of the House of Representatives.

“The President will not interfere. He never endorsed,” said Panelo. “What they should do, I think, the PDP should—what they should do is to have a secret balloting and get the sentiments of the members. And who gets the highest, di iyon ang ano ang magiging manok nila,” he added.

PDP-Laban’s campaign manager Senator Manny Pacquiao earlier said the party will announce its candidate, who will be chosen by Duterte, on Friday.

“Ikonsulta din namin sa Pangulo. Nagpakuha na ako ng schedule kung kelan pupuntahan ko siya,” according to him.