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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 29) – The integrity of Congress may suffer if the shared term agreement between the current Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alan Peter Cayetano, and the future representative of Marinduque, Lord Allan Velasco, is not respected, a member of the House warned Tuesday.
Speaking to CNN Philippines, Buhay’s party list representative Lito Atienza asked Cayetano to abide by the “gentlemen’s agreement,” saying it would be unfair for the parties to change the contract rules at the last minute.
“When a contract is reneged by the institution itself and by the leadership, then there is nothing more to wait for,” Atienza said in an interview with The fountain.
“Putting a condition, turning it into a different contract term, an additional cost in the contract is not fair …”, he added. “It cannot be adjusted, especially at the end of the contract. I ask Speaker Cayetano, honor his words, Speaker “.
Atienza also argued that the topic of oratory – including power talks – should not be the main topic of conversation, as he emphasized the need for the legislative branch to maintain its honor and credibility.
“Never mind oratory, that’s not the problem, “he emphasized. “Never mind power. The important thing here, the institution of Congress must be maintained. Its integrity must be protected. There was a shared term agreement, we should all respect and honor it. “
[Translation: The speakership is not important, that’s not the issue. Power is not important. What’s important is that the institution of Congress must be upheld. Its integrity must be protected.]“Popularity or following is not the issue here. The issue here is the word of honor, and a gentlemen’s agreement, talk man ” added.
Cayetano and Velasco became embroiled in a new controversy over the leadership of the House, after rumors emerged of an alleged impeachment plot against the current president. Some legislators, including Cayetano himself, accused Velasco of staging a coup to take office early.
Velasco, for his part, also asked that the “crystalline” 15-21 speaker agreement be respected, negotiated by President Rodrigo Duterte himself at the beginning of the XVIII Congress last year. The two solons will meet with the CEO on Tuesday, but no other details were provided at the time of writing.
A large majority of legislators in the chamber have also expressed support for Cayetano’s continued leadership. The House also promised the timely approval of the proposed national budget for 2021 in accordance with the executive director’s call.
READ: ‘Pass 2021 Budget On Time,’ Palace Tells House Amid Speakers Controversy
More solons seen to support the Cayetano manifesto
Meanwhile, another member of the House said he believes the joint manifesto issued in support of Cayetano would win more signatories.
House Vice President LRay Villafuerte said he expects the document to gain the support of around 230 lawmakers, with at least 210 signatures already available.
Villafuerte also urged interested parties to “honor the voice of the majority,” noting that even the agreements are also subject to change.
“It’s true, there was an agreement. But at the end of the day, is it good for the country to have a change now? Villafuerte said in the same program, citing Cayetano’s solid legislative record.
“Things can change,” he said.
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