House Speaker insists party vote on death penalty bill

In an ambush interview on Wednesday, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said he will discuss the matter with members of the ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) regarding their party stand on the measure seeking to reinstate capital punishment for heinous crimes. (Photo: Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez/Facebook)

MANILA –The leadership of the House of Representatives will insist on a party vote on the controversial death penalty bill.

In an ambush interview on Wednesday, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said he will discuss the matter with members of the ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) regarding their party stand on the measure seeking to reinstate capital punishment for heinous crimes.

Alvarez added that PDP-Laban members who do not vote in favor of the death penalty bill might as well tender their resignation.

“They are free to resign from the party. I will not force them of course,” Alvarez said.

The same fate will also fall on deputy speakers, committee chairmen and vice-chairmen. Alvarez said House leaders who will not support the administration’s priority bill will be replaced.

“Deputy speakers na hindi sasama doon sa administration bill, papalitan po natin. Kasi awkward na deputy speaker ka and then you don’t agree with the leadership,” he said.