Toby Tiangco Open to House Speakership in 20th Congress
Navotas City lone district Representative Toby Tiangco has shown openness to running for House Speaker in the upcoming 20th Congress. During a television interview on Saturday, May 17, Tiangco revealed that some individuals had approached him about the position.
“Yes. I’m being asked,” said the seasoned lawmaker, who recently managed the campaign for the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate in the mid-term elections. He added, “Sabi ko (I said) I’m not actively seeking for it. But I just want to help the President.”
As the president of Partido Navoteño, Tiangco emphasized his willingness to assist the administration but remains cautious about formally declaring a bid.
Support for the President Guides Tiangco’s Decision
When asked if he would accept the top post in the House of Representatives, currently held by Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president and Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez, Tiangco was clear in his intentions.
“Isa lang sagot ko dyan (I only have one response to that). I will do whatever is best for the President. If its best for the President that Martin Romualdez remains Speaker, I will support what he thinks is best for him,” Tiangco explained.
He further stated, “If he think I can help him more, I will accept it. As long as my colleagues agree.”
Tiangco also pointed out that becoming Speaker requires the backing of the majority of the House of Representatives. The position is decided by a vote among House members at the start of each Congress.
Challenges Ahead for Any Speaker Bid
Tiangco has yet to officially announce a candidacy for the Speakership. However, reports indicate that replacing Romualdez would require significant shifts in the House’s political landscape.
Romualdez’s Lakas-CMD party is allied with major national parties including the Nacionalista Party (NP), National Unity Party (NUP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), and multiple party-list groups under the Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc. (PCFI). This coalition provides a strong support base, making it difficult for any challenger to unseat him.
With these political dynamics, Tiangco’s potential bid would depend heavily on negotiations and consensus among House members, as well as the President’s preferences.
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