Confidence in House Leadership Amid Intramurals
Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales III expresses strong confidence that Speaker Martin Romualdez will keep his House leadership role in the upcoming 20th Congress, despite the ongoing intramurals within the National Unity Party (NUP). This key phrase, “House leadership faces intramurals,” captures the current political dynamics.
Gonzales described the internal disputes between Deputy Speaker Cebu 5th district Rep. Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco and the NUP, his former party. The NUP remains one of the major parties firmly supporting Romualdez’s continued speakership.
“Ako, I believe 100 percent siya pa rin ang magiging Speaker,” Gonzales said confidently, emphasizing his trust in Romualdez’s leadership.
Strong Support Evident in Signatures
The Pampanga congressman pointed out that 285 House members have already signed a manifesto backing Romualdez for the 20th Congress. “The mere fact na may pumirma ng 285 for the 20th Congress, that is a manifestation na talagang gusto nila ‘yong liderato ng ating nakaupong Speaker. Ganyan lang ka-simple ‘yon,” he explained.
As a member of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), the party led by Romualdez, Gonzales remains aligned with the Speaker’s camp.
Intramurals Spark Party Conflict
Frasco recently made headlines after refusing to sign the manifesto supporting Romualdez. The NUP viewed this as a sign of independence and consequently removed Frasco from the party. When asked about the situation, Gonzales stated, “I think that is a party decision, that is a party intramurals and everything, so ‘yon lang po ang pwede kong masabi.”
Despite this, Gonzales does not believe Frasco’s claims that lawmakers are dissatisfied with the current House leadership. “All congress-persons in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and all happy. Masaya po silang lahat. Wala po akong naririnig na mayroong ganyang issue sa liderato ni Speaker Martin Romualdez. Kaya nagtataka din po ako eh,” he shared.
Respect Amid Differences
Gonzales also affirmed his respect for Frasco, stating, “Kasama ko ‘yang deputy speaker, I am the senior deputy speaker, and he is one of the deputy speakers. Palagi namang nandyan nagpe-preside. We have the schedule to preside, ginagawa naman niya ‘yong tungkulin niya, at hindi ko alam bakit may ganitong issue.”
Despite the internal party struggles, Gonzales remains optimistic about the unity and stability of the House leadership, highlighting the widespread support for Speaker Romualdez.
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