Romualdez gains Velasco’s support to be next House Speaker

SPEAKER Lord Allan Velasco on Tuesday endorsed House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez as Speaker of the House of Representatives in the next Congress.

Velasco expressed his support for his majority leader during their meeting in Makati City.

“I believe that his election as Speaker of the 19th Congress will ensure that the legislative agenda of the incoming administration will be pursued and completed. Majority Leader Romualdez has my support and friendship,” Velasco said.

Former Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo, incoming Party-list Foundation Coalition Inc. President and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, senior Deputy Majority Leader and Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo “Pido” Garbin also attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, the two House leaders also discussed the official canvass by Congress of the votes for President and Vice President cast in the May 9 elections during their meeting.

The tabulation will be done at the House premises in the Batasan complex in Quezon City. Congress will reconvene on Monday.

The two leaders said they expect a speedy canvass and proclamation of the winners.

Based on unofficial count, presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and incoming Vice President Sara Duterte have won the May 9 vote by a landslide.

Velasco belongs to administration party Pdp-laban, which announced its support for Romualdez over the weekend through its president, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

Cusi cited Romualdez’s track record in supporting the Duterte administration in the crafting of important pieces of legislation, such as the two Bayanihan laws, Covid-19 Vaccination Program Act, the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, and amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act and the Public Service Act.

“His track record speaks for itself. He is indeed one of the most hardworking Members of Congress. We believe that Rep. Romualdez can bring the various political parties and blocs in the House of Representatives together to continue the legacy programs of the Duterte administration as well as shepherd in Congress the vision of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a more progressive Philippines,” Cusi said.