DAVAO Third District Representative Isidro Ungab has accepted the nomination of regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) as a candidate for House Speaker.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, HNP said it is endorsing Ungab as House Speaker in case President Rodrigo Duterte will not accept his son's Speakership bid "because of delicadeza".
"Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), with its three incumbent Congressmen from Davao Region, has been patiently observing the developments in the House of Representatives," HNP said in a statement.
"Therefore, we are endorsing the bid of Congressman Isidro Ungab for Speaker," HNP added.
The group said Ungab is qualified to hold the highest position of the House of Representatives.
Ungab said in an official statement that he will abide by the party’s decision.
“I am deeply honored for the endorsement as House Speaker. I am a good soldier under the command of every Filipino,” the House representative said in a statement.
“I am ready, willing and capable to serve in any capacity. I reiterate my commitment to support the Legislative Agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte, ensure further economic growth, lower poverty incidence and to help create more opportunities for all Filipinos,” Ungab also said.
He said HNP is ready and open to work with everyone.
He also said the party is hoping “that everyone will aim for and work towards unity and cooperation in order to establish a strong and efficient House”.
"Ungab is a four term congressman and the only lawmaker to hold the chairmanships of both Ways and Means and Appropriations Committees," HNP said.
The party is also suggesting to have the other contenders such as Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano as the Majority Leader. Rep. Lord Alan Velasco to head the Appropriations Committee, and Rep. Martin Romualdez to head the Accounts Committee.
HNP, lastly, said "We earnestly hope that everyone can see the light in this option and move forward with urgency in serving our country.
On Tuesday, Davao City First District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte who has declared that he has no plans of running for House Speaker made a 180-degree turn and announced that he might run to unite the members of the House.
Ungab, in a recent interview, said he was supporting Duterte's bid for House Speaker.
"I believe that the entry of Cong. Paolo will break the impasse and the sooner we elect a new Speaker, the better," Ungab said through a text message.
The congressman also said "all the Davao Region and Mindanao Congressmen will surely rally behind Cong Paolo if he decides to join the Speakership race".
House members will elect the next Speaker during the opening of the session of the 18th Congress in the morning of July 22, the same day that President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona).