By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN
MANILA – Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco are keen on to revitalizing the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban).
In his speech during an informal caucus of PDP lawmakers in San Juan City on Sunday, Gonzales said he has talked to Velasco over their plans to rejuvenate the administration party over reports of several discontented members.
“Gagawin natin na ang PDP Laban is a new PDP Laban. Nag-usap na kami ni Speaker Lord tungkol diyan kung ano ang gagawin natin,” said Gonzales.
The ruling party has been wracked by infighting among its members especially in the Lower House following the ouster of its secretary-general former Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez last year.
On Sunday, Gonzales officially threw in the towel for the heavily-contested Speakership battle next month and urged his party mates to rally behind the Speakership bid of Velasco.
“Ako ay kandidato ding Speaker, pero kung sabihin lang ni Lord Velasco: ‘Ikaw na mag-Speaker.’ Pero hindi na pu-pwede yun kasi si Lord Velasco na po ang ating Speaker,” said Gonzales.
“Wala na po kayong maririnig last elections. Definitely happy na po kayo. Lalo na po, kapag nag-Speaker na po ang kasama natin sa PDP Laban,” Gonzales added.
Gonzales was given a bigger role in running the day-to-day affairs of the party of President Rodrigo Duterte following his appointment “Interim National Executive Vice President” last June 13.
Gonzales was also tasked to “ensure that the legislative priorities of Party—the party of the President are passed in the House of Representatives” this coming 18th Congress.
