FORMER House speaker Alan Peter Cayetano reminded newly elected Speaker Lord Allan Velasco not to change leadership positions at the House of Representatives.
In a Facebook live video Wednesday afternoon, October 14, 2020, Cayetano asked Velasco to honor their term-sharing deal, which he said included Velasco's commitment to retain House leaders after the transition of powers.
"Giving up a position, but helping everyone else is for me more important than keeping the position," he said.
"I am just asking, Congressman Velasco, our new Speaker, na sabi mo sa akin, palabra de honor, eh ‘di palabra de honor din ang sa side ninyo. Dahil malinaw na malinaw na sinabi ng ating Pangulo na he doesn't want disruption so walang palitan ng kahit sinong chairmanship at leadership sa Kongreso," he added.
(I am asking Congressman Velasco, our new Speaker, to fulfill his word of honor because the President clearly stated that he does not want any disruption. So there should be no changes in chairmanship and leadership positions in the House.)
Cayetano issued the plea after allies of Velasco reportedly asked his supporters to vacate their leadership posts and offices.
He said Velasco promised President Rodrigo Duterte that he will abide by the rules of their term-sharing agreement.
"Sinagot mo, 'di ba na 'masakit man, mayor susunod ako’ (Didn’t you tell the President, ‘it’s not easy, Mayor, but I will comply’),” he addressed Velasco.
Cayetano also said he has asked his allies to support the leadership of Velasco.
He said he sent text messages saying, “please support the new leadership, please get the budget passed.” (Jove Moya/SunStar Philippines)