VICE President Sara Duterte confirmed that she asked her brother, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, if he was interested in seeking the speakership of the House of Representatives.
In an interview on May 17, Duterte said she has yet to endorse any candidate for Speaker or Senate President for the next Congress.
“I told Congressman Pulong, ‘Do you want to run for Speaker?’ He hasn’t answered yet. Maybe he’s still thinking about his chances of winning,” she said.
She added that she also floated the idea of him pursuing the position of House Minority Leader.
“I told him, ‘If you don’t win as Speaker, then go for the minority.’ I have no candidate for Speaker or Senate President. No one has approached me regarding either position,” she said.
Earlier, several lawmakers affirmed their support for House Speaker Martin Romualdez to retain his post in the incoming 20th Congress.
Senator Imee Marcos also said there are still no clear moves to change Senate leadership, although senator-elect Tito Sotto III has expressed willingness to return as Senate President.
