PRRD meets with Cayetano, Velasco to settle speakership issue

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte speaks with House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Jay Velasco and several members of the House of Representatives in a meeting at the Malacañang Golf (MALAGO) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on September 29, 2020. The President called on Cayetano and Velasco, who were accompanied by their respective partymates and supporters in the Lower House, to discuss matters affecting Congress lately. ROBINSON NIÑAL/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday night met with Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Marinduque Rep.

Lord Allan Velasco to resolve the row on the House of Representatives speakership.

A lawmaker who was present at the meeting in Malacañang confirmed that Velasco will take over the chamber’s helm as the next Speaker starting October 14, based on the original term-sharing agreement that was brokered by Duterte at the start of the 18th Congress in July last year.

Under the term-sharing deal, Cayetano would serve as House speaker for the first 15 months, or until October 2020, while Velasco would take over and assume the position for the remaining 21 months or until the 18th Congress ends in 2022.

“Tapos na ang (boxing) #1521 (The boxing is over),” PDP-Laban executive director Ron Munsayac tweeted, with the hashtag referring to the 15-21 term-sharing agreement.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said it is up to the House leadership to make an announcement about the meeting.

Cayetano’s camp has yet to issue a statement regarding the matter.

The Palace earlier said Duterte wanted his two allies to take turns in holding the highest position at the House of Representatives.