Lawmakers Using Speakership Position for Bargaining Posts: Garin’s Sharp Critique
Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin recently criticized some lawmakers who only hint at seeking the House speakership but actually use the position to bargain for other leadership roles in the 20th Congress. She expressed confusion over why some members of the House hesitate to openly declare their intentions to become Speaker of the House.
Garin, speaking at a press briefing, said this behavior appears to create division and serves as a tool for lawmakers to demand specific posts within the House hierarchy. “Sometimes, I cannot also understand, because before, if you are interested in a position, you show motive and interest. In this case, there are many rumors coming out on social media, but this seems to be a proxy war,” she said.
Positioning as Speaker Becomes a Bargaining Tool
She emphasized that positioning for leadership roles should not be about bargaining. “Positioning — if you want a position — comes with power, which in turn brings responsibility and accountability. It would not look good that you would position as a Speaker, but at the same time, you’re just rooting for a bargaining post,” Garin added.
The congresswoman also noted the difficulty of vying for the speakership without publicly announcing it. She believes that committee chairmanships and key leadership positions should be awarded based on merit, capability, and proven performance.
“It would be not easy if someone is interested in being a Speaker, but they cannot talk out loud and say that they are interested. So if you don’t have the guts to come out in the open and appear that, you are interested in the position, how can you show guts to fight the problems of the Filipino people, how can you be a leader of our more than 300-plus congressmen?” Garin said.
Merit and Capability Must Guide Leadership Selection
She stressed that all leadership roles, whether as Speaker, deputy speaker, or committee chair, should be based on one’s ability and track record. This approach ensures that those elected can properly lead and fulfill their responsibilities.
Potential Speakership Contenders and Political Maneuvering
Although Garin did not mention specific names, sources noted several possible contenders aside from her party-mate and current House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. These include Bacolod Representative Albee Benitez, Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco, and Cebu’s 5th District Representative Vincent Franco Frasco.
None of these lawmakers have officially confirmed their bids for the speakership. However, Benitez’s son, Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javi Benitez, was among the 291 legislators who signed a manifesto supporting Romualdez’s bid.
Tiangco hinted at readiness to lead the House Committee on Appropriations, while Frasco has not declared his intentions but shared news portraying him as a “dark horse.”
Resistance and Support Within the Ranks
Last June, Frasco revealed he declined to sign the manifesto backing Romualdez, emphasizing the need for unifying leadership that partners in nation-building rather than fostering division.
However, Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative LRay Villafuerte suggested Frasco’s criticism might be a strategic move to secure his position as deputy speaker in the upcoming Congress.
Romualdez’s Strong Backing and Prospects
Garin expressed confidence that Romualdez’s re-election as Speaker is assured, citing the overwhelming support from 291 lawmakers, including notable figures like former President and Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Davao Occidental Representative Claude Bautista. Both lawmakers have close ties with Vice President Sara Duterte, with Arroyo as her mentor and Bautista as a former campaign manager.
“The speakership is usually based on two factors: that you support the administration and second, that you show an ability to lead,” Garin said, highlighting Romualdez’s skill in building consensus among legislators.
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