House exec defends Velasco’s designation of 28 deputy speakers

MANILA, Philippines — A leader of the House of Representatives defended yesterday the decision of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco to designate more deputy speakers and replace some of the 22 appointed by his predecessor, Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano.

“We have Imperial Manila always, and so therefore Speaker Lord deems it necessary to make sure that there is representation from the 16 regions. It’s a move in the right direction,” newly designated Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez said.

The Cagayan de Oro City congressman added that the setup ensures “equal representation” of all regions and political parties in the country, which is consistent with Velasco’s vow to make his leadership “inclusive and united.”

The number of deputy speakers started at three – one each from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao – during the time of former speaker Jose de Venecia, who later added two or three more.

When Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez became speaker in July 2016, the number of deputy speakers reached 14; and the number rose further to 22, when Cayetano assumed the speakership. Now, there are 28 deputy speakers.

As far as political analyst Ramon Casiple is concerned, adding more deputy speakers does not bode well for Velasco’s leadership.

“It’s a very partisan move. The appointment of numerous deputy speakers will not serve their respective constituents but will only bleed the public’s coffers for their bloated allowances,” he said.

Allies of the Speaker have been given new positions in the House, replacing those identified with Cayetano.

Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas was designated chairman of the House social services committee, replacing La Union Rep. Sandra Eriguel, who was elected chairperson of the House committee on inter-parliamentary relations and diplomacy.

Rep. Tyrone Agabas (Pangasinan) replaced Rep. Bernadette Herrera as deputy majority leader, while Rep. Godofredo Guya (Recoboda party-list) was elected member of the House special committee on strategic intelligence representing minority.

Herrera, an ally of Velasco, is now among the 28 deputy speakers, the most notable of whom perhaps is Rep. Arnie Teves of Negros Oriental whose interpellations sparked unrest among lawmakers over alleged unequal distribution of allocations during Cayetano’s time.

“Speaker Velasco strongly believes in the concept of shared leadership where every member takes ownership to contribute to the institution’s overall success,” said Herrera of Bagong Henerasyon party-list.

Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan of Anak Mindanao party-list was named assistant majority leader, replacing Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan who has been promoted to deputy speaker.

Ruling PDP-Laban party members – Reps. Johnny Pimentel (Surigao del Sur) and Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (Pampanga) – were removed as deputy speakers and given committee chairmanships.

Pimentel is now chairman of the House special committee on strategic intelligence while Gonzales heads the House special committee on bases conversion, replacing Reps. Fred Castro (Capiz) and Francis Abaya (Cavite), respectively.

The Speaker sits as the new executive vice president of PDP-Laban that is now headed by Sen. Manny Pacquiao, replacing Gonzales who has been designated regional vice president for Luzon. Pimentel was named the party’s regional vice president for the Caraga in Mindanao.