TWO lawmakers on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, criticized moves to oust House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, saying it is not the right time to change leadership.

In a privilege speech, Capiz 2nd District Representative Fredenil Castro pointed out that the Philippines is in the middle of a battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and Congress has been contributing to efforts to address the crisis by passing the necessary measures.

Besides, Castro said Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, who is supposed to succeed Cayetano under a term-sharing agreement reached in July 2019, is not prepared for the speakership.

“Ang pagpapalit ng liderato ng kapulungan ng Kongreso ay hindi napapanahon hindi lamang dahil ang buong mundo, kasama ang bansang Pilipinas, ay lugmok sa pandemyang Covid-19,” he said.

“Sa aking paniniwala ay maliban sa Covid-19, hindi handa na tumanggap ng mandato ang kausap ni Speaker Cayetano na susunod sa kanya,”

Castro accused Velasco of orchestrating the ouster plot against Cayetano.

Under an agreement endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte in July 2019, Cayetano and Velasco will share the speakership.

Cayetano, who was elected Speaker on July 22, 2019, is supposed to serve for 15 months before Velasco takes over. Velasco is then scheduled to serve as Speaker for 22 months.

Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, who was also a contender for the post in 2019, was endorsed by Duterte and later elected as majority leader.

Laguna 1st District Rep. Danilo Fernandez, during interpellation, said he had hoped for a smooth transition.

“But unfortunately, because of lack of coordination on the part of Congressman Lord Allan Velasco, parang mahihirapan po tayo na biglang i-transfer,” Fernandez said.

“As a matter of fact, Mr. Chairman, a lot of congressmen right now believe that it’s not the right time because the Congress right now, in addressing the problem of Covid-19, is doing good,” he added.

He said Congress has approved several measures aimed at helping the people cope with the economic fallout from the pandemic.

Citing Castro’s speech, he noted that Velasco turned down the opportunity to work closely with the House leadership when he declined Cayetano’s offer to serve as Senior Deputy Speaker.

Velasco instead opted for chairmanship of the committee on energy.

Fernandez said House members should vote on whether incumbent leaders should be replaced.

The matter was referred to the House committee on rules. (Marites Villamor-Ilano/SunStar Philippines)