MANILA, Philippines — The ruling PDP-Laban has failed to choose its candidate for speaker of the House of Representatives in the incoming 18th Congress, which convenes on July 22. Pacquiao and party president Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III served as mediators. He said the ruling party would try to get Duterte to choose who among Velasco, Gonzales and Alvarez would be the PDP-Laban candidate for speaker. Alvarez told The STAR yesterday it will ultimately be the choice of President Duterte that will prevail in the rivalry over the post of speaker. Alvarez said everyone vying for the speakership – regardless of party affiliation – will follow the instructions of the President.

Source: Philippine Star June 12, 2019 15:56 UTC