DAVAO CITY (May 29)— Davao City First District Congressman-elect Paolo Duterte denied eyeing House Speakership, contrary to what has been circulating in the social media.
In a Facebook post last Monday, the young Duterte said “Pwede ba tubag ani:? Pulong to President Duterte: I did not say I want to be Speaker…may nagkamali na naman bulong sa tenga mo Mr. President.”
Paolo posted his statement after his father President Rodrigo Duterte said he will resign if his son bids for the House speakership.
A Manila-based journalist posted that Paolo Duterte can be a good House Speaker, saying he can do a lot being the son of the President. The post circulated on social media which was shared by his followers.
The young Duterte never manifested any intent to be the next speaker publicly.
When the President was asked by reporters to comment about the rumors, he said “Yung kapatid mo, mayor. With the vice mayor, anak ko, ‘yung youngest son ko, si Baste, and Pulong as Speaker, ako ang Presidente, hindi na maganda tignan”
The bid for House Speakership is now heating up, among those who manifested their interest include: Representatives Lord Allan Velasco of Marinduque,Martin Romualdez of Leyte, Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte First District, and Alan Peter Cayetano of Taguig.
Loren Legarda of Antique is also reportedly being eyed for the speakership although she already denied being interested in the position.
During the oath-taking ceremony of newly-appointed officials on Monday, President Duterte said Paolo is being urged to run by a certain group of advisers.
“If he (Paolo) insists on running, maniwala siya sa mga advisers niya (if he listens to his advisers), go ahead. Let me know three days in advance before you make the announcement and I will tender my resignation,” the elder Duterte said.
The young Duterte started his political career as Barangay Captain of Catalunan Grande in 2007. He filed his candidacy without the blessing of his father but he won against four other contenders.-ezc/NewsLine.ph
