Constitution expert sees more legal weight in pro-Velasco meeting

A Constitutional Law professor on Tuesday said the argument favoring the legality of the meeting of lawmakers that "elected" Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco as Speaker has more weight.

Interviewed on Unang Balita, Atty. Roberto Lucila noted that majority of the 299-strong House of Representatives joined the pro-Velasco gathering.

“Kahapon, 186 Congressmen met. This is more than one-half percent of the 299 congressmen, so may quorum sila. Ayon sa Saligang Batas, ang Speaker of the House ay pipiliin ng majority of all the members of the House,” he said.

“Mas matimbang po ang 'pro' — ang in favor of the legality of the meeting. Bakit? Dahil ang argumento nila is substantive and more in keeping with democratic principles. Yan ang aking pananaw,” Lucila added.

On Monday, allies of Velasco "elected" him as Speaker of the House of Representatives in a session described by the camp of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano as illegal as it was held outside Batasang Pambansa and while the House's session was suspended.

The election took place in the Celebrity Sports Plaza in Quezon City as the House Plenary was closed due to the suspension of session.

Lucilla also pointed out the position of those questioning the legality of the pro-Velasco gathering, saying they also have a point.

“Ang pangalawang pananaw naman ay 'yung anti na hindi raw ito legal. Unang-una, nasa recess tayo o adjournment. Ibig sabihin, walang official business ang Kongreso,” Lucila said.

“Pangalawa, it was held without the participation of the Speaker, or his deputized presiding officer,” he added.

Lucilla added that the meeting was held outside the hall of Congress, which he said is not allowed without the concurrence of the Senate based on the Constitution.

To resolve the scramble for Speakership, Lucilla urged for one meeting where Velasco, Cayetano and their respective supporters could have a "showdown."

“Malalaman na kung sino talaga ang may mayorya,” he said.

Aside from this, he said President Rodrigo Duterte could also resolve the issue by acknowledging either one of the two vying for the speakership post, taking into consideratino factual circumstances like the vote of majority of lawmakers. —KBK, GMA News