Palace staying away from the race for next House Speaker

June 10, 2019

Malacanang on Monday said President Rodrigo Dutete is not endorsing the speakership of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez at the House of Representatives after he was present during the president’s surprise inspection at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the two officials met during the wake of Duterte’s friend, Sendeng Loo Gaisano.

“They just met in the wake. No agenda,” said Panelo.

“The president will not interfere in that (speakership). We have repeatedly said that. It just so happened that Romualdez is also a friend with Mr. Gaisano,” he added.

Panelo said Sendeng Loo Gaisano is the owner of Gaisano Mall in Davao City.

Meanwhile, with Congress having most number of Duterte's allies, the Palace is hopefully that they will be granted the “emergency powers” the president is asking to solve the traffic woes in Metro Manila.

“Congress knows what the problem is so it should know what to do to response to the situation. After all they are there, just like the president, to serve the

Filipino people and that includes putting the riding public in convenient situation,” said Panelo.

“Hopefully, they should consider,” he added.

On Sunday, Duterte told the public to wait a bit more as travel from Cubao, Quezon City up to Makati City will take five minutes possibly by December.

“He (may) has something on his sleeves,” said Panelo. Ella Dionisio/DMS