Vice President Sara Duterte believes her brother, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, should consider competing for the House speakership in the incoming 20th Congress — and if unsuccessful, aim for the minority leader position.
In a candid exchange with the media, Duterte revealed that she had directly suggested the idea to her brother, known as Congressman Pulong. “Sinabihan ko si Congressman Pulong. Sabi ko sa kanya baka gusto mo lumaban ng speaker? Hindi ba siya sumagot,” she shared, explaining that her brother remained silent, likely weighing his chances.
While Duterte clarified that no one has approached her seeking her endorsement for the top House leadership roles, she remains supportive of her brother’s potential candidacy. “Kung hindi ka manalo ng speaker, then kunin mo ‘yung minority,” she added, emphasizing that there are still strategic options even if the speakership is out of reach.
The conversation between the siblings took place during a thanksgiving mass at the Carmelite Church in Lanang, Davao City, where the Duterte family gathered to celebrate their recent political victories in the midterm elections.
Meanwhile, the race for House leadership is beginning to take shape. Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco has expressed interest in the speakership, but Deputy Speaker David Suarez insists that current House Speaker Martin Romualdez enjoys the backing of a “supermajority.” Suarez cited the support of 240 lawmakers who have reportedly signed a manifesto of support for Romualdez, representing a coalition of major political parties.
The final declarations of support for the speakership are expected before the 20th Congress officially begins in July.
