Duke Frasco denies eyeing House Speakership

House Deputy Speaker and Cebu Rep. Duke Frasco on Tuesday denied reports that he is seeking to run for Speaker of the House of Representatives, a post currently held by Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.

“Contrary to recent reports, I have not made any decision-much less offered myself-for the position of Speaker of the House in the 20th Congress,” Frasco said.

Frasco was earlier kicked out of the National Unity Party (NUP) after he refused to sign a manifesto of support for Romualdez.

On Tuesday, Frasco said he will be supporting another candidate for Speaker because the House “must be a united and proactive partner in delivering meaningful, lasting change for the Filipino people.”

“If the election for Speaker were held today, my support would go to either Congressman Toby Tiangco [of Navotas] or Albee Benitez [of Negros Occidental],” Frasco said.

At the same time, Frasco stressed that he remains supportive of the Marcos administration and contributing to its broader goals of national unity and development.

"My commitment to the President's vision remains firm,” he added.

Frasco, husband of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, was last seen in public with President Marcos in Osaka, Japan for the World Expo. —VAL, GMA Integrated News