Sara Duterte’s endorsement swayed lawmakers’ support from Cayetano to Velasco —solon

The endorsement of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte was a factor for lawmakers to shift their support from former Speaker Taguig-Pateros Representative Alan Peter Cayetano to newly elected Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, a solon said on Wednesday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Oriental Mindoro Representative Salvador “Doy” Leachon pointed out that the executive and legislative branches should be aligned to make government programs happen.

“Siyempre, naniniwala kami roon. ‘Yun naman ang kasaysayan at tradisyon sa Pilipinas sa lahat ng transition at even the speakership race,” he said when asked if the endorsement affected the decision of lawmakers.

“While we admit that under the Constitution, we have the independence of the three branches of the government, but then para maisakatuparan ang mga programa ng pamahalaan ng ehekutibo, dapat linyada ang legislative department,” he added.

Sara—daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte—and her political party backed the enforcement of the speakership term-sharing deal between Cayetano and Velasco.

According to Leachon, the number of lawmakers supporting Velasco ballooned in time for the special session at the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon, which was requested by Duterte.

He pointed out that Cayetano resigned as a session was underway on Tuesday morning to ratify Velasco's election as Speaker.

According to Leachon, around 250 out of the 299 current members of the House now support Velasco for his speakership, noting that a coup is unlikely.

On Tuesday, the House made official the election of Velasco as Speaker of the House with a total of 186 votes. —KG, GMA News