Nacionalista Party will support Velasco – Villar

The Nacionalista Party (NP), the party of former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, has expressed cooperation with the leadership of the new head of the House of Representatives, Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco.

“The party nevertheless extends its collaborative hand to the new House leadership and vows to work closely with their team to ensure the success of the President’s legislative and economic agenda,” said the statement of Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, daughter of former Senate President Manny Villar, president of NP.

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According to the congresswoman, their party fully supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s legislative agenda, especially now that the country faces a trial due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Villar added that their party also wants to pass the 2021 national budget proposal quickly and eradicate corruption.

“The party also commits to the speedy passage of the 2021 national budget that would be truly reflective of the needs of the people and not merely based on the requirements of the districts,” she said.

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According to Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, also a member of the NP, party members signed a manifesto expressing support for Velasco.

More than 40 congressmen are members of the NP, the oldest political party in the country.

Barbers said that Cayetano and his wife Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano, also allegedly signed the manifesto.

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Nacionalista Party will support Velasco – Villar

“The whole Nacionalista Party dito sa Congress ay nagbigay ng pahayag through a manifesto of support para kay Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and lahat ng miyembro ng Nacionalista Party ay pumirma dito,” said Barbers.

“Nagpapatunay at nagpapahayag [ito] ng kanilang unequivocal support sa leadership ng ating Mababang Kapulungan through Speaker Lord Allan Velasco,” he added.

Meanwhile, former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano’s prominent ally, Camarines Sur Representative Luis Raymund , has been removed as Deputy Speaker. His successor, the congressman who was previously removed from the same position.

When Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco replaced Cayetano as the new Speaker, Villafuerte was removed as deputy speaker and was replaced by 1-PACMAN party-list Rep. Mikee Romero.

Just a few weeks ago, while Cayetano and Velasco’s collision took place, Romero was removed from his position as deputy speaker. Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro replaced him.