MANILA, Philippines (Updated 12:48 p.m.) — After a speakership row prior to the opening of the 18th Congress, Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano (Taguig-Pateros) has finally gained his seat as speaker of the House of Representatives. With 297 lawmakers present, 266 members of the House voted in favor of Cayetano, 28 voted for Rep. Bienvenido Abante (Manila), two abstentions and one no vote. Presidential son Rep. Paolo Duterte (Davao City), Rep. Lord Allan Velasco (Marinduque) and Rep. Martin Romualdez (Leyte) nominated Cayetano for House speaker. President Rodrigo Duterte had announced that Cayetano and Velasco will share terms as House speaker while Romualdez will be majority leader. In his maiden speech as House speaker, Cayetano said the lower chamber of Congress is a "partner" of the Duterte administration.

Source: Philippine Star July 22, 2019 04:26 UTC