The Dispute on Speakership

At last, the long standing speakership dispute in the House of Representatives between Congressmen Alan Peter Cayetano of Taguig, Rizal and Lord Alan Velasco of Marinduque has finally ended with the latter garnering 187 votes as against Cayetano’s 146. The dispute emanated from the alleged non-observance of the term sharing agreement by Cayetano, brokered by no less than President DU30 before the start of the session of the present Congress. In his desire to stay in power as Speaker, Cayetano suspended the deliberation on the budget appropriation measure and reportedly declared it approved even just on 2nd reading in violation of the House rules. (Indeed absolute power corrupts and it corrupts absolutely!) This gave rise to resentment among the House members whose expected budgetary allocation for their respective districts were not met. They also claimed that house members close to Cayetano got the largesse in allocation. In a steering speech after his election as House speaker has been confirmed, Speaker Velasco lashed out at Cayetano as without “palabra de honor” or one who does not honor his words which according to him is a time-honored Filipino virtue. As we write this column, the House is still undertaking the budgetary appropriation measure. Parenthetically, some observers said that the irrevocable resignation of Cayetano was moot and academic as he had been earlier ousted as House speaker. Some political pundits also pointed out that the two (2) party-list members of Sara Duterte who voted for Velasco was indicative of Sara’s support for Velasco. After the House speaker’s election, reports are that both Velasco and Cayetano went to Malacañang for an audience with President Duterte who allegedly reconciled the two House leaders. Indeed all is well that ends well!

TRIVIA:

Through this column I wish to extend in my own behalf and that of my spouse Minda our deepest and most sincere condolence to the family of the late Abraham “Abe” Accompanado. After retiring from government service, he served as a close confidant and trusted ally of 3rd District former congressman and House Speaker Noli Fuentebella. Soft spoken and trust worthy, he remained humble even up to his death. I am most honored in having associated with him when I was active in provincial politics. I am sure both Noli and Abe are now in the warm embrace of our Lord.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “YOU CAN’T MAKE DECISIONS BASED ON FEAR AND THE POSSIBILITY OF WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN.” MICHELL OBAMA

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “GOD RISES IN DIVINE COUNCIL, GIVES JUDGMENT IN THE MIDST OF THE GODS.” PSALM 82:1