House recognizes Suarez as minority leader

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a motion recognizing Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez as the minority leader after an almost two-week leadership row. (File photo: Congressman Danilo E. Suarez/Facebook)

MANILA — The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a motion recognizing Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez as the minority leader after an almost two-week leadership row.

Through voice voting, the lawmakers approved majority leader Rolando Andaya Jr.’s motion to recognize Suarez as the minority leader.

“I would like to move to finally resolve the issue on the minority leadership,” Andaya said.

Despite objections, Deputy Speaker Fredenil Castro ruled that “the ayes have it.”

Plenary debates were held on the minority leadership issue last week.

Other factions that vied for the opposition bloc include the Liberal Party-Makabayan bloc led by Marikina City Rep. Romero Quimbo, as well as the allies of ousted Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez who elected ABS partylist Rep. Eugene de Vera as their minority leader.

During the speakership change on July 23, Suarez voted for Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the new Speaker.

Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas earlier warned that he will bring the minority leadership issue before the Supreme Court to resolve the matter if his colleagues will insist on Suarez as the minority leader.

According to House rules, the minority bloc will be comprised of congressmen who did not vote for the elected Speaker.

The rules also state that members who voted for the winning candidate automatically become part of the majority.