Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte decided not to pursue the position of being a House Speaker, saying that he could still help the current administration in different ways.
In his statement, Pulong Duterte admitted that he’s planning to run as the leader of the lower house amid the confusing Speakership race between Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.
He talked to his father, President Rodrigo Duterte for advice and he was told that it’s not the right time for him to become the Speaker of the House.
“We both agreed that this will not be the right time for me to be Speaker and I can still help this administration from the house in a different capacity,” Pulong Duterte said.
Duterte who’s the leader of Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, and also part of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) instead expressed his support to Congressman Isidro Ungab who’s the representative of the 3rd District of Davao City.
Pulong said that the President is already aware of Ungab’s participation in the House Speakership race.
“I will support the bid for the speakership of Congressman Isidro Ungab from our sister party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago,” he said.
Congressman Ungab already accepted the endorsement of HNP.
“I abide by the decision of our party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP). HNP is ready and open to working with everyone. HNP hopes that everyone will aim for and work towards unity and cooperation in order to establish a strong and efficient House,” Ungab said in a statement.
“I reiterate my commitment to support the legislative agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte, ensure further economic growth, lower poverty incidence and to help create more opportunities for all Filipinos,” he added.
HNP opposed the term-sharing scheme in the Congress, saying that it would only “slow down the last three years of the administration of President Duterte.”.