House Minority leader Danilo Suarez on Wednesday said that Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has a big chance to win the bid for the next House Speaker in the 18th Congress.
In a press conference, he said that Romualdez got more than enough number of supports from the members of the House of Representatives.
“He has enough numbers. I think he has more than 153,†Suarez further explained during the regular Minority bloc press briefing.
Suarez also clarified that everyone is eligible to replace House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo but Romualdez’s experiences makes him a greater candidate.
“Well they are all qualified. Bebot (Pantaleon Alvarez), former speaker yan; si Alan Peter (Cayetano), cabinet secretary; Lord Velasco (Velasco), chairman ng Energy Committee magaling naman mag-precide. Pero pinaka-magaling si Martin (Romualdez). Pinaka-qualified,†said Suarez.
There will be a total of 304 House members — 243 district lawmakers and 61 partylist representatives — in the next Congress, and a contender needed 153 votes, the magic number, to become Speaker.
“I think Cong. Romualdez has done his work. Nagpunta na siya sa pangulo, sinabi na niya yung support sa pagimplement ng kanyang mga measures, tapos hinighlight niya yung gusto niyang gawin as the leader of the House. At wala naman problema kay presidente, parang sinabi na proceed but he doesn’t say I’m going to endorse you. Kasi malalapit din sa pangulo yung ibang kandidato.â€
(Edited by: Bombo Sol Marquez)
