Rep. Lord Allan Velasco said the speakership issue is over and it is now time to prioritize the passage of 2021 national budget.
“Because of the will of the majority, inextend natin para matapos na ang usapan sa speakership, hindi na magkagulo sa Congress. So that when we hear the budget tomorrow, malinis, peaceful, at maayos (Because of the will of the majority, we have extended to finish the speakership issue, to end the conflict in Congress. So that when we hear the budget tomorrow, it will be peaceful and organized),” Velasco explained.
The oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected officials also took place at the Celebrity Sports Plaza. Atty. Jocelia Bighani Sipin and BGen. Mao Aplasca have been declared as new Secretary General and new House Sergeant-at-Arms, respectively.
Velasco and some congressmen belied Cayetano’s claim that the move was unconstitutional and defended that the session conducted outside the halls of Congress was legal. The mace was no longer needed since the majority of representatives was present in the session.
“Sinasabi niya sham session ang ginawa namin dito (He is claiming that the session was a sham), but it’s all based on the rules of the House… Under the rules it is allowed, so it was not a sham session,” Velasco countered.
“The mace is merely a symbol of authority and it cannot demise, cannot take precedence or acquire a higher legal authority over the physical warm bodies and those attending through electronic platforms,” Cagayan de Oro Second District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez pointed out.
Some solons also maintained that the move of Cayetano to suspend the session earlier is unconstitutional and against the legislative calendar of the Congress.
Velasco observed that the quick passage of the 2021 budget on second reading is a sign of fear on Cayetano’s part. He also challenged Cayetano to release the manifesto of support that he mentioned to have at least 200 signatures.
Velasco likewise assured that the passage of the national budget will not be delayed and that it would be illegal for Cayetano to put the session on hold. – Report from Louisa Erispe
