Paduano named as new House minority leader

Paduano was named as the new minority leader after his predecessor, Manila Rep. Benny Abante, stepped down from his post to join the majority bloc under the leadership of recently-installed Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. (File Photo: Cong. Joseph Stephen ”CARAPS” Paduano/Facebook)

MANILA – The minority bloc in the House of Representatives has unanimously elected Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano as their new leader, Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo announced on Monday.

Paduano was named as the new minority leader after his predecessor, Manila Rep. Benny Abante, stepped down from his post to join the majority bloc under the leadership of recently-installed Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

Quimbo said Paduano, as a member of the minority bloc since the 17th Congress, has always advocated for the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk and pushed for the protection of rice and sugar farmers amid the liberalization of agriculture markets.

“With the new leadership under Rep.

Paduano, the minority bloc is assuring the House and the Filipino people that it will remain loyal to the principles that mold the group in fiscalizing and in providing a potent force to implement check and balance in the House of Representatives,” Quimbo said.

Quimbo said the minority bloc will continue to support pieces of legislation for the people through constructive criticisms, noting that it played a major role in the passage of the proposed 2021 national budget on the third and final reading.

“Rest assured that the minority bloc will continue working hard in pushing for laws for the benefit of the Filipino people especially at this time of a pandemic where our lives are being challenged to adjust to a new, better normal,” she said.

Quimbo said the bloc vowed to work together for the common good of the people and perform its fiscalizing duties.

“Members of the minority bloc may have differences due to party affiliations, convictions, beliefs, and even ideologies, but it will always unite with regards to legislation that will redound to the ordinary Filipino,” she said.

She said the minority bloc members have expressed their gratitude to Abante for his service and guidance as their leader. (