Belmonte's election as House Speaker lauded

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Former Deputy Speaker for Mindanao  and now Mayor Ma. Isabel Climaco-Salazar lauded the re-election of Quezon City 4th District Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr. as the Speaker of the 16th Congress of the House of Representative.

Salazar, an ally of Belmonte, said the trust and confidence of House members in Belmonte was a result of Belmonte's good stewardship in leading members toward legislative agenda.

“We laud our Speaker SB (Sonny Belmonte) for the trust and confidence accorded him by his colleagues. Serving with him was an inspiring opportunity that made us meet our legislative targets,” Salazar said.

Belmonte, who was nominated by Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento (1st District), garnered 245 votes to retain the Speaker post out of the total 267 congressmen  who responded to the roll call.

Two lawmakers were also nominated for the speakership - San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez during the  House session which began around 10 a.m. with Secretary General Marilyn Barua Yap presiding over the proceedings.