Sara Duterte Proposes Leadership Roles for Brother in Congress
Vice President Sara Duterte revealed on Saturday that she encouraged her brother, Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, the reelected representative for Davao City’s 1st District, to consider running for House speaker or minority leader in the upcoming 20th Congress. She shared this during a briefing with reporters, emphasizing her suggestion to him.
“Sinabihan ko si Congressman Pulong. Sabi ko sa kaniya, ‘Baka gusto mo lumaban ng Speaker.’ Hindi pa siya sumagot. Inisip din niya siguro ‘yung chances niya na manalo,” she said, highlighting that her brother had yet to respond and was likely weighing his chances of winning.
She also mentioned that if he does not succeed in becoming Speaker, she advised him to take the minority leadership instead. “Sinabi ko sa kaniya, ‘Kung hindi ka manalo ng Speaker, then kunin mo ‘yung minority’… Wala akong candidate for Speaker or for Senate President. Wala din lumapit sa akin for Speaker or for Senate President,” Duterte added, clarifying that she has not endorsed any candidate for these key positions nor received any offers for support.
Confidence in Speaker Martin Romualdez’s Continued Leadership
Meanwhile, supporters of Speaker Martin Romualdez remain confident that he will retain his position. Deputy Speaker David “Jay-Jay” Suarez disclosed that over 240 congressmen have already signed a manifesto backing Romualdez.
“Kung titignan natin sa numero at bilang pa lang, sigurado na po tayo na magpapatuloy si Speaker Martin Romualdez bilang Speaker ng Kongreso sa susunod na tatlong taon. We’re very confident with the support na pinakita ng mga partido,” Suarez said, expressing strong confidence in Romualdez’s continued leadership based on the broad support from various parties.
The backing comes from lawmakers representing major political groups, including Lakas-CMD, National Unity Party (NUP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Nacionalista Party (NP), Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), and the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI).
Suarez stressed the importance of a stable and united Congress over the next three years. “Napaka-kritikal po ‘yung susunod na tatlong taon para sa ating bansa. At napakahalaga na stable at nakakaisa ang Kongreso behind our President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos,” he stated.
Clarification on Party Leaders’ Meeting
Addressing speculations, Suarez clarified that the recent meeting of party leaders was not intended as a loyalty check but rather a simple meet and greet. “It’s more of a meet and greet,” he explained, downplaying any suggestion of political pressure or tests of allegiance.
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