House of Representatives (MANILA BULLETIN)

Last Tuesday, Nov. 7, Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Davao City 3rd district Rep. Isidro Ungab were stripped of their title as deputy speakers in the House of Representatives. 

Taking their place were Isabela 1st district Rep. Tonypet Albano and Lanao del Sur 2nd district Rep. Yasser Alonto Balindong, respectively. 

But what's the big deal about being designated as a deputy speaker? Short answer: It's quite the plum post. 

As the title itself implies, a deputy speaker in just a notch below the House Speaker, who is the leader of the chamber. However, the title of senior deputy speaker--essentially the highest ranked deputy speaker--has become en vogue since the previous 18th Congress. 

But back to answering the question. Rule V, Section 17 of the House rules define the role of a deputy speaker. 

According to it, a deputy speaker "assume[s] the duties and powers of the Speaker when so chosen by a majority vote or by lot among themselves, as the case may be, in cases of absence or temporary incapacity of the Speaker, until such time that the Speaker returns to office and resumes work; and, in case of resignation, removal, permanent incapacity or death of the Speaker, until such time that a new Speaker is elected and qualified." 

He or she can also preside over the plenary session when, even if present, the Speaker does not preside. This is a commonly observed role, since the House Speaker-- riddled with functions throughout the day--typically only presides over the session when there is an important item on the agenda. 

CLICK HERE: 
https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/7/dalipe-says-arroyo-ungab-s-resolution-snub-caused-house-leadership-shake-up
 

Speaking of important items, a deputy speaker is also expected "to monitor, coordinate and facilitate action on measures filed, requests, and other concerns of members representing Rules of the House of Representatives constituencies to which they may be assigned by the Speaker". 

He or she may also "recommend to the Speaker appropriate policies, strategies and programs of action to improve the process of legislation and the quality of legislative measures". 

But perhaps the most useful among the perks of a deputy speaker is his or her being an ex-officio member of all the committees in the House. This means automatically being a member of all the committees; and only committee members have the power to vote during panel proceedings. 

The committees are essentially the workhorses of the legislature, so this function is nothing to sneeze at.