House replaces pro-Velasco deputy speaker from post

The House of Representatives on Friday voted to remove 1-Pacman party-list Representative Michael Romero as deputy speaker amid the continued speakership row between Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco.

Romero is a known supporter of Velasco and the "gentleman's agreement" that has Cayetano vacating the speaker's seat for Velasco in October.

Deputy Majority Leader XJ Romualdo of Camiguin moved to unseat Romero in the middle of plenary deliberations  the proposed P4.5 trillion national budget for 2021.

Romuldo also moved for the election of representative Fred Castro of Capiz as Romero’s replacement.

Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu of Batangas, who was presiding over the session, asked if there was an objection on Romualdo’s motions.

Romualdo’s motions were carried since there was no objection registered before the limited plenary attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A few hours before his election as deputy speaker, Castro delivered a privilege speech supporting Cayetano’s continued tenure as Speaker and urged lawmakers supportive of Velasco speakership bid to quit their leadership posts.

Velasco, based on the date that the two parties agreed with before a meeting with President Duterte this week, is supposed to be elected as Speaker by October 14.

Cayetano, however, has said that Velasco does not have the numbers to get elected as Speaker. -NB, GMA News