MANILA, Philippines — Former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Monday denied joining the minority bloc of the House of Representatives, saying he is an independent member of the lower chamber. Alvarez issued the denial following a report, which cited a source, claiming that Alvarez “showed his true colors” by joining the three independent minority blocs. ADVERTISEMENTAlvarez, however, said this was not true, saying: “First of all, I am not part of the minority and, consequently, cannot be part of any minority bloc.”Citing the Rules of the House, Alvarez said he cannot be a part of the minority bloc as he abstained from voting in the election of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. Since he decided to be “non-aligned,” Alvarez said the rules state he should be categorized as “independent.”“Thus, contrary to the assertion of the article, I did not join the ‘three independent minority blocs’ identified in the article as the Liberal Party, Makabayan bloc, and the Nacionalista Party,” Alvarez said. “I am not part of any of those minority blocs,” he added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer October 19, 2020 11:33 UTC