The House of Representatives added two more senior administration congressmen to the roster of deputy speakers, that now totaled 32.
Before adjourning for the Christmas break on Wednesday, the Lower House majority decided to relieved Anakalusugan Partylist Rep. Michael Defensor as chairman of the House Committee on Public Trust.
Elected to replace Defensor was Ako Probinsyano Partylist Rep. Bonito Singson, a former assistant minority leader, who is a close ally of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
Defensor accepted his fate but aired his grievance of not being informed about his relief before Singson’s appointment was announced on the floor.
Singson said he is optimistic Defensor will continue to play an active role in pursuing legislation that would guarantee public accountability in government. He noted that Defensor has accomplished so much in ensuring honest and clean governance.
“I will reach out to Cong. Mike and ask him to help me continue his mission,” said Singson.
Tagaytay City Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab are the latest to be appointed. A member of PDP-Laban, Tolentino was formerly chairman of the Committee on Accounts while Ungab, who belongs to the Hugpong ng Pagbabago, used to head the Committee on Appropriations.
Also on Wednesday, Bulacan Rep. Henry Villarica was nominated and elected by the majority bloc to become a member of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, vice Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Alfredo Garbin.
Garbin was appointed to the vacant chairmanship of the House Committee on Constitutional Reforms.
With 32 congressmen being appointed deputy speaker, the House under Velasco , thus, continued to make legislative history for the unprecedented number of appointments.
Also on Wednesday, the House opposition under Minority Leader and Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano elected Magsasaka Partylist Rep. Argel Cabatbat and Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas deputy minority leader and assistant minority leader, respectively.