Front-runnersCastro, a stalwart of the National Unity Party (NUP), earlier expressed interest in the speakership but said he had no plans to pursue it. Castro said NUP, with some 26 members in the incoming Congress, would meet soon to discuss who to support in the speakership contest. Stalwarts of NP, the second largest political party in the incoming Congress, have affirmed their support for Cayetano in the speakership race. Cayetano, the defeated running mate of Mr. Duterte in the 2016 election, is secretary general of the Villar-led NP. If need be, we have to cross party lines to help the President lift our people from poverty,” Romualdez added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 02, 2019 21:43 UTC