By Genalyn Kabiling

President Duterte is not keen on interfering with the leadership issue in the House of Representatives amid reports the term-sharing deal can be derailed.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/FILE PHOTO/MANILA BULLETIN)

The President attended the birthday celebration of Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco Monday night where he announced that he was leaving it up to the lawmakers to decide on the term-sharing deal between Velasco and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday said he would not influence or meddle in the term sharing between House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco expecting the House of Representatives to run its own affairs,” the Palace said in a statement.

Last July, President Duterte offered to help end the infighting in the speakership race by proposing that Cayetano would serve Speaker in the first 15 months while Velasco will take his place for the next 21 months. The arrangement was eventually approved.
The Palace later explained that the term-sharing arrangement between Cayetano and Velasco was a mere suggestion from the President after some lawmakers sought his guidance.

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., however, recently raised the possibility that such an arrangement could be set aside given Cayetano’s soaring public trust and approval ratings.

Cayetano reportedly disclosed that he would like to retain his post until 2022, but acknowledged that the term-sharing deal with Velasco stays. Velasco also remained interested in becoming the next House Speaker, saying he expects Cayetano to relinquish his position next as part of their gentleman’s agreement.

At the same birthday gathering, the President talked about the next national elections, including his desire for his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio not to run for the highest public office.

“The President assured his political allies during the occasion that he would throw his support to any politician who plans to run for the presidency in 2022,” the Palace said.

“Considering the rigors of being the country’s chief executive, the President said he does not want his daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, to vie for the top post,” it added.