1-PACMAN Partylist Representative Michael Romero, president of the Partylist Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI), confirmed Tuesday, June 25, his signing of a manifesto of support for the House speakership bid of Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco.
“Tonight, we will ratify what I signed,” Romero said during the PCFI meeting Tuesday night, June 25.
In a resolution signed by PCFI members on June 19, the bloc confirmed Romero as its lead "for any speakership-related representation."
The resolution also stated the affirmation of all 54 members of the PCFI voting collectively.
"We, all 54 members of PCFI, will vote for Speakership in the 18th Congress as a bloc with a single and common choice, both individually and collectively," it stated.
The PCFI said its intention is to “wholly support the choice of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for Speakership, should he, through Senator Bong Go and/or Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, publicly endorse a Speaker aspirant for the 18th Congress.”
Romero signed the "Multi-Party Manifesto of Support," stating his support to Velasco.
“We are firmly convinced that Representative Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco is imbued with the leadership qualities to steer and unite the entire House of Representatives in the passage of crucial legislative reforms in support of the legislative agenda of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in order to safeguard the country’s economic gains and social progress,” the manifesto stated.
The signatories also said that the elected House Speaker will "serve a full term to completely realize his Excellency’s legislative agenda."
Aside from Romero, the manifesto was also signed by Representatives Aurelio Gonzales Jr., executive vice president of PDP-Laban; Michael John Duavit and Kristine Singson Meehan, representing the Northern Luzon Alliance; and Wesley Gatchalian of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.
Meanwhile, Leyte Representative Yedda Romualdez, wife of Leyte Representative-elect Martin Romualdez who will also represent Tingog Partylist in the 18th Congress, challenged Romero's choice for House Speaker.
Representative Martin Romualdez is also eyeing the House speakership. He said earlier that he believes he is a strong contender for the post.
Romero said he acknowledged all of the PCFI members' right to back Romualdez, but he said during the June 19 meeting that the organization of party-list members will bid on an single candidate they agreed upon. (SunStar Philippines)