Like most of his predecessors, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco is expected to enjoy the best of both world following the election of Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano as the new minority leader.
Paduano, a known ally of Velasco, will be the first party-list solon to hold the post.
He replaced Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante who has joined the majority bloc and is expected to be rewarded by Velasco with a key post.
The new opposition bloc leader reportedly played a vital role in the installation of Velasco as the new speaker.
However, he may have not joined the election for speaker.
Despite his reported support for Velasco, Paduano’s selection as new minority leader was unanimous.
Included in the rolls of the minority bloc are six Makabayan solons who are staunch oppositors to legislative proposals of the Duterte administration.
“Members of the minority bloc may have differences due to party affiliations, convictions, beliefs and even ideologies, but it will always unite with regards to legislation that will redound to the ordinary Filipino,” the minority bloc explained in its statement.
“The 21-member bloc will continue to support legislation for the people through constructive criticisms and not as obstructionists, as it played a major role in the passing of the 2021 General Appropriations Bill or the 2021 Proposed Budget which was finally approved on Third and Final Reading on Friday, which President Rodrigo Duterte wanted passed constitutionally and legally, and on time, not railroaded,” the statement added.
Paduano, who was unanimously elected by his minority colleagues, is on his third and final term as House member.
He spent his three terms as member of the minority.
“He has always advocated for the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk, and pushed for protection of rice and sugar farmers amidst that liberalization of agriculture markets,” the minority bloc statement said.
The group added: “With the new leadership under Rep. Paduano, the Minority Bloc is assuring the House and the Filipino people that it will remain loyal to the principles that mould the group in fiscalizing and in providing a potent force to implement check and balance in the House of Representatives.”