THE House of Representatives has yet to settle the squabble over the minority leader post, with three groups still vying to be recognized as the duly-constituted minority bloc.
Newly-appointed majority leader Rolando Andaya Jr., during the plenary session Monday, recognized that the legitimate minority bloc is still the 17-member bloc led by Suarez, who for him is still the minority leader.
But former House majority leader Rodolfo Fariñas insisted during the plenary session on Monday, July 30, that Quezon Representative Danilo Suarez no longer holds the post.
Suarez's camp maintained their stance that they are the minority as the position that was declared vacant last July 23 was only the Speaker's position thus, the retention of their status.
Marikina Rep. Romero "Miro" Quimbo also maintained his position that the 15 members of the Liberal Party and the Makabayan bloc, who voted no and abstained from Monday's voting, along with those that joined them constituted the minority bloc.
The debate over the issue will continue during the plenary session Tuesday, July 31.
Yet to interpellate are Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate and Ako-Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe.
During the plenary session Monday, Fariñas said Suarez's vote for the speakership of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the election last July 23 constitutes his abandonment of his post.
Fariñas also said that the decision of Suarez has also made ABS Party-list Rep. Eugene de Vera the acting minority leader.
De Vera, a member of the minority, abstained from the voting on Arroyo's speakership while 14 members of the minority voted for Arroyo, among them Suarez, Lito Atienza, Aniceto Bertiz and Alfredo Garbin.
Fariñas, invoking Rule 2 Section 8 of the House Rules, said that those who would want to join the minority should write a letter to De Vera.
Fariñas said there will be grave abuse of discretion on the part or the House of Representatives if they will recognize Suarez as the minority leader.
Fariñas is among the congressmen who are vying for the minority leader post.
Andaya, meanwhile, said 260 lawmakers are now members of majority and that the House of Representatives likewise recognizes the independent lawmakers which, as per Andaya, are the Makabayan bloc, the Magnificent Seven and Toby Tiangco. (SunStar Philippines)