Velasco ousts Cayetano as Speaker of the House of Representatives

Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco took oath to be the new Speaker of the House of Representatives on Monday, October 12, 2020.

A total of 208 House members supported Velasco’s opportunity to replace Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano from his position as the latter had chosen to delay the presentation of the 2021 budget.

"This is for our people, for this august body our Congress, for the word of honor of our beloved President Rodrigo Duterte and for God who makes all this happen. To the Filipino people, we will not let you down. For God and country, maraming salamat po! Mabuhay po ang Kongreso! Mabuhay po ang Sambayanang Pilipino" velasco said during his speech.

Despite the disagreements of a few of Cayetano’s allies, many of the other representatives from different parties wanted Velasco to replace Cayetano.

It is because they believe especially those who are from the Liberty Party (LP) that the country, the Philippines, needs a stable leader that does not delay the passage of legislation because it is not something the Filipinos can afford this time of crisis.

The Filipinos deserve stable and reliable leaders to help run the country especially during this pandemic.

Words by Alekka Kwinsley Cabalhug

Photo from ABS-CBN News