As race for House Speaker heats up, Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) endorses its own candidate.
The political party founded by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has issued a statement early Wednesday morning endorsing Davao Third District Representative Isidro Ungab for House Speaker.
The regional group comes out after observing the developments in the Lower House noting that it counts as its members, three incumbent Congressmen from the Davao Region.
“We understand if President Duterte, because of delicadeza, will not accept the intent of our brother from Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, Congressman Paolo Duterte, to resolve the conflict among candidates,” the group said.
Ungab, the group added, is a four-term congressman and the only lawmaker to hold the chairmanships of both Ways and Means and Appropriations Committees.
As for the other candidates for House Speaker, the party said, “We suggest that Cong. Alan Peter Cayetano take the Majority Leader position, Cong. Lord Alan Velasco to take the Appropriations Committee, and Cong. Martin Romualdez to head the Accounts Committee.”
“We earnestly hope that everyone can see the light in this option and move forward with urgency in serving our country.”
The HNP statement was issued after Paolo Duterte said he was considering joining the speakership race.
“The house is divided, I might be able to help unite it. Pareho lang kaming binoto ng mga tao ah. Kung term sharing, term sharing na kaming lahat,” he said.
However, President Duterte declared in May that he would resign if his son, Paolo, decides to join the speakership race.
“Itong si Paolo, sabihin ko sa kanya, if you run for speakership, let me know. Kasi kung tatakbo ka, magre-resign ako,” Duterte said in a speech during the oathtaking of newly appointed government officials in Malacañang.
