House of Representatives did not welcome the filing of resignation of House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano amid the lingering issues concerning the speakership.
Voting 184-1-9, majority of the members of the Lower House favored the motion to dismiss the resignation of Cayetano.
“I’ve worked hard to make this Congress – a Congress that I, our colleagues, our families, can be proud of. I will not be the party to letting the President down. So I’m offering my resignation here and now to you my dear colleagues,” Cayetano announced in a privilege speech.
“My fate and the fate of the 2021 budget and leadership of the House is in your hands,” Cayetano added.
Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor emphasized that Cayetano is “not an appointee” of the Congress and that he was elected by 266 solons.
Cayetano expressed dismay over the reported change of leadership by October 14. Citing details from the meeting with President Duterte, he said the recommended change of leadership with Lord Allan Velasco is supposed to take place in December.
“Congressman Velasco has to have the vote of the majority of the members of Congress. I told the President: ‘I will honor the agreement’,” Cayetano stated.
“Tignan niyo lahat ng interview ko, never ko po sinabi na hindi ko iho-honor (Review all my interviews, I never said that I will not honor it),” he added.
Velasco ally and Oriental Mindoro First District Rep. Doy Leachon earlier confirmed that Velasco will occupy the speakership on October 14. This was countered by the allies of Cayetano.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday evening said President Rodrigo Duterte respects the result of the voting.
“Bagamat nais niya na matupad ang kasunduan ng dalawa ay wala naman siyang magagawa kung walang numero po si Cong. Lord Allan Velasco (Although he wants the agreement to be followed, he cannot do anything if Cong. Lord Allan Velasco does not have the numbers),” Roque stated.
“Stay out tayo riyan, no comment (We stay out of it, no comment). That’s a purely internal affair of the HoR. Iyan po ang paninindigan ng ating Presidente (That’s the stand of the President),” Roque added. – Report from Daniel Manalastas
