JDV says 190 congressmen backing him for Speaker

Speaker Jose de Venecia’s leadership in the House of Representatives remains solid with 190 congressmen backing his bid for another three-year term, senior administration lawmakers said yesterday.

"Speaker De Venecia’s leadership in the 13th Congress is uncontested," said Cebu City Rep. Raul del Mar and Rep. Antonio Cuenco, who represents Cebu’s second district.

Another Cebu lawmaker, Rep. Joseph Ace Durano, of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, said his party and Lakas have already forged a coalition agreement to further strengthen the administration’s control of the House as well as De Venecia’s leadership.

Joining the Cebu congressmen were Mindanao and Visayas lawmakers, led by Deputy Speaker Gerry Salapuddin of Basilan, Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles, Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay, Iloilo Rep. Arthur Defensor and Bacolod City Rep. Monico Puentevella.

Congressmen from Luzon, led by Deputy Speaker Emilio Espinosa, Nueva Ecija Rep. Aurelio Umali, and Parañaque Rep. Eduardo Zialcita have echoed the same commitment to De Venecia’s leadership and support for the President’s 10-point anti-poverty agenda that she unveiled at her inauguration.

Quirino Rep. Junie Cua of the Liberal Party and the majority of the party-list congressmen have also thrown their support behind De Venecia’s leadership and support for the President’s 10-point anti-poverty agenda.

Nograles dismissed reports that a coup against De Venecia is in the works by a new political bloc in the House, saying allies of the administration party have never considered putting up a candidate to challenge De Venecia for his post.

"Those claims are pure intrigue," Nograles said.

Salapuddin and Espinosa criticized efforts apparently meant to discredit Lakas’ crucial role in ensuring the passage of Malacañang-backed measures, especially those in line with Mrs. Arroyo’s program of government.

They pointed out that Lakas spearheaded the administration’s coalition in the House since 2001, and from 1992 to 1998, when the country posted a modest economic growth.

"We as a party have consistently supported the President’s legislative agenda. Lakas has a track record to prove it and we are proud of this record," they said in a joint statement. "We are prepared to continue to play this role."