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Party-lists choose 'next Speaker'
Partv-lists... hom
"We have worked with FMR in Congress. He is not only a principled and compassionate leader. but a unifying presence who can actively steer [the President's] legislative agenda for change and development in the country," their statement read. Romualdez, both presidert ofthe La-
By MaricelV. Cruz MORE lawmakers on Tuesday threw their support behind former Leye Rep. Ferdinand Manin Romualdez who is running again for office in May-as the next speaker olthe House.
kas-Christian Muslim Democrats and the Philippine Constitution Association, is running for the Leyte congressional seat to replace his wife, Yedda.
Among them werc party-list Reps. Catalina Pizarro ofArts, Business, and Science Professional s (ABS), Mariano Piamonte ofA-Teachet Jesulito Manalo of Aqkla, Anthony Bravo of CoopNatco" and Cecilia Chavez ofButil. In a statement, the leaders said Ro-
mualdez would make a good speaker because he is good at gaining a consensus, and as such, can push President
Rodrigo Duterte's legislative
forward
agenda
Next pqge
AtJ
Several' lari,makers eailier expressed confidence that Romualdez, whom the President's daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio declared will be the next speaker, will be able to steer."a more productive and responsive" House under the lSth
-
Congress.
Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice on Sunday supporred Romuildez as thi next House Speaker in the incomiug 18th Congress.
"He has no corruption issue, and that
will work to his advantage,"
said Erice,
ofthe House opposition. House Minodty Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez said Duterte's endorsement of Romualdez would mean a more productive and responsive House of Representativas supportive of the a rnember
President's legislatiye agenda.
"We need a competent and honest man like congressman Romualdez. He has good public relations and no deroga-
tory issue. Congress will be very interesting with his leadership. He is good, responsible, very bright 4nd intelligent," he said.
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