PAMPANGA Third District Representative Aurelio Gonzales has been appointed as interim national executive vice president of ruling political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

Gonzales was appointed by PDP-Laban president and reelected Senator Aquilino Pimentel III "effective immediately."

While his appointment paper was issued on June 13, it was only released to the media Monday, June 17.

Gonzales, previously the Regional President for Central Luzon, is among lawmakers considered by PDP-Laban to be their candidate for the speakership post in the 18th Congress.

The others are Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco and Davao Del Norte Representative and former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.