Duterte had vowed to keep his hands off the race for Speaker as all the aspirants were his allies and friends. ADVERTISEMENTREAD: Duterte distances himself from speakership race: ‘Labo-labo nalang kayo’However, Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor said Duterte might change his mind and support Romualdez once the President sees the manifesto signed by more than 160 congressmen in support of Romualdez’s bid to become Speaker. “Right now, the President is sticking to his position not to interfere in the speakership race,” Defensor said at a recent forum in Quezon City. Martin as Speaker once he sees the final tally in the manifesto of support,” Defensor said. Two other veteran lawmakers—Fredenil Castro and Joey Salceda—also expressed confidence that Romualdez had the edge of numbers in the race for Speaker.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 05, 2019 08:59 UTC