Senator Manny Pacquiao took some time off from his training, as a preparation for his upcoming fight with undefeated American boxer Keith Turman, to announce PDP-Laban’s endorsement towards Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco’s bid for the Speakership race in the 18th Congress.
Pacquiao was authorized to speak on behlaf of PDP-Laban by PDP-Laban president Sen. Koko Pimentel.
“I am therefore announcing the endorsement and support of PDP Laban for Congressman Lord Allan Velasco as Speaker of the House of Representatives in the full term of the 18th Congress,” Pacquiao told reporters.
PDP-Laban considered Velasco’s membership on the ruling party as well as the support he got from other majority members of their
“Magaling si Lord Allan Velasco as a leader. We expect na susuportahan niya ang panukala na makakabuti sa mga Pilipino,†added the lawmaker.
Before the announcement, President Rodrigo Duterte gave his permission to outgoing Speaker Gloria Arroyo on deciding who she wants to be the next House Speaker. `
Among those hoping for the Speakership are Leyte Rep. Elect Martin Romualdez, former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao Del Norte, and Duterte’s losing running mate in the 2016 elections, Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano.
However, members of PDP-Laban will face sanctions if they will not support Velasco. / with reports from Bombo Dennis Jamito; edited by Bombo Sol Marquez
