The minority bloc in the House of Representatives lost three of its key members who now become majority bloc members for supporting the candidacy of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco as house leader.
Reps. Lito Atienza (Buhay party-list); Jose “Bonito” Singson Jr. (Ako Probinsyano) and Bayani Fernando (PDP-Laban, Marikina City) voted for Velasco to take over the post left vacant by the ouster of Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano.
Thus, under the rules they automatically become members of the majority bloc.
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, who considers himself an independent minority, also backed Velasco’s bid to unseat Cayetano but will maintain his position.
“Even as I remain a member of the independent opposition or as an authentic minority Representative, I am ready to support Speaker Velasco’s policies and advocacies which will redound to the welfare of the Filipino people, particularly the disadvantaged and marginalized,” Lagman said in a statement.
Atienza and Singson were among the outspoken congressmen who joined the call for the resignation of Cayetano and the subsequent election of Velasco as speaker.
Lagman also supported Velasco’s bid to become speaker, pointing out that this is in compliance with the gentleman’s agreement for a term-sharing in the speakership.
In a statement on Tuesday, the minority bloc headed by Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante said it remained committed to work with the majority bloc “in order to craft legislation aimed at benefiting our people.”
“This we pledge to do regardless of who occupies the office of the Speaker—the holder of which is determined by those who belong to the Majority,” the opposition group said.
Minority bloc solons added:“We have, for the past few days, been concerned observers as our friends in the Majority resolved who would lead the House in the coming months.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said the Lower House must now “buckle down to work” to address the problems faced by Filipinos.
“We reiterate that needed funds to generate jobs, healthcare, agriculture and social aid should be prioritized in this time of severe crisis aggravated by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Zarate.