HUGPONG ng Pagbabago (HNP), the regional party led by presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio, endorsed Wednesday, July 3, another Davao congressman for House Speaker instead of presidential son Paolo Duterte.
In a statement, the party named Davao Third District Representative Isidro Ungab as its candidate for House Speaker.
"We understand if President Duterte, because of delicadeza, will not accept the intent of our brother from Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, Congressman Paolo Duterte, to resolve the conflict among candidates. Therefore, we are endorsing the bid of Congressman Isidro Ungab for Speaker," HNP stated.
President Rodrigo Duterte declared in May that he would step down from office if son Paolo would seek the Speakership.
Paolo initially said he had no plans to run for Speaker but declared Tuesday, July 2, that he might run in a bid to unite the members of the House of Representatives.
Duterte made the announcement after lashing out at people whom he did not identify who allegedly dragged his name into the hotly contested race for Speaker.
HNP noted that Ungab is a four-term congressman and the only lawmaker to chair both the ways and means, and appropriations committees.
Ruling party PDP-Laban earlier endorsed Marinduque Representative Lord Alan Velasco for Speaker.
HNP said Velasco may be appointed to chair the appropriations committee while other candidates for Speaker be given other positions. Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano may be chosen Majority Leader while Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez may be asked to head the accounts committee.
"We earnestly hope that everyone can see the light in this option and move forward with urgency in serving our country," HNP added. (Ryniel Berlanga/SunStar Philippines)