Honor ‘Term-Sharing' Deal – Duterte

Cayetano resignation rejected; Velasco may still assume as House Speaker on Oct. 14

- Ben R. Rosario And Ellson A. Quismorio

President Duterte finally put his foot down on the speakership row in the House of Representatives after he urged incumbent Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Speaker-in-waiting Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco to comply with the “term-sharing agreement” they forged last year.

That means Velasco will replace Cayetano at the helm although there will be no reorganization for the rest of the leadership components in the House of Representatives.

“There will be no reorganization for now. Tell me, how can Congressman Velasco lead if the outgoing speaker’s allies continue to find fault and bad mouth his leadership?” disclosed a senior administration solon who was present at the Malacañang caucus called on Tuesday by President Duterte to resolve the House leadership controversy.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said President Duterte intervened in the House leadership row only because he is the head of the ruling PDP-Laban party.

Roque refused to confirm what really happened during the Palace meeting because he was given a specific order to leave the announcement to the House of Representatives as it is a co-equal branch.

It was learned that Velasco will take over the House leadership on October 14.

This developed after Duterte reportedly made sure his wish that all parties to the term-sharing agreement will abide by the gentleman's agreement. This was clearly received by Cayetano and Velasco who came to the Palace meeting with at least seven of their key allies.

Comprising the Team Cayetano were Deputy Speakers LRay Villfuerte, Raneo Abu, and Rodante Marcoleta; Reps. Abraham Tolentino, Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado, Mikey Arroyo, and the speaker's wife, Taguig City Rep. Lani Cayetano.