Independent Minority Bloc Forms in House Speakership Race
MANILA, Philippines—Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, Bacolod City Rep. Albee Benitez, and Cebu Rep. Duke Frasco are shaping up as an independent minority bloc in the 20th Congress. Initially viewed as contenders for the House speakership, the trio chose to abstain from voting for Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez’s reelection as Speaker. By doing so, they declared themselves neither part of the majority nor minority.
“There have been certain exchanges of communication (between us), but…this just happened. Let’s see where we go from here,” Benitez told reporters after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). Tiangco added, “Let’s put politics aside. What’s important is that we’re independents, meaning, we can make our own independent stances.”
Despite distancing themselves from current House leadership, both stressed their continued support for the Marcos administration. This independent minority bloc is emerging as a distinct voice within the House, aiming to influence legislation without aligning with traditional factions.
Potential Alliances and Legislative Priorities
An alliance with the pro-Duterte Davao lawmakers, led by Rep. Paolo Duterte, is still uncertain. Benitez commented, “So far, we haven’t talked with them (the Duterte bloc) yet… it might be difficult especially when we are going in different directions. We still believe and we’d go all out for the (Marcos) administration.” Meanwhile, Frasco reaffirmed his “strong support” for President Marcos’ legislative agenda.
The opening session saw Romualdez win a second term as House Speaker without opposition, securing 269 votes in favor while 34 lawmakers abstained. Tiangco, Benitez, and Frasco expressed strong criticism of the 2025 national budget, describing it as “bungled” and fraught with irregularities that risk politicizing social welfare programs.
Calls for Restoring Public Trust in Congress
The budget was crafted under allies of Romualdez, who defend the process as transparent. Frasco, formerly a deputy speaker, explained his stance: “My decision was grounded not in political convenience, but in principle and in my view of what the institution urgently needs: leadership that restores public trust, upholds the integrity of Congress, and reinforces the President’s priorities with urgency and purpose.”
This emerging independent minority bloc signals a push for congressional reforms and greater accountability. Their approach highlights a desire to balance support for the administration while challenging the current House leadership and budget decisions.
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