Drilon lauds LP support for JDV

Senate President Franklin Drilon lauded yesterday the decision of 34 congressmen belonging to the Liberal Party (LP) to set aside their political and personal differences and vote as a "solid bloc" in the looming fight for the speakership of the House of Representatives.

Drilon, whose presidency is also being challenged at the Senate, expressed belief that the LP members will rise above their personal interests for the sake of party and country.

"I urged my LP colleagues in the House: It does not matter who they vote for as speaker. What was important was that they stick together as a party and vote as a solid bloc in the House of Representatives," Drilon said.

As a result of the party caucus at the house of Sen. Manuel Roxas II last Oct. 25, Drilon said prominent LP members led by Deputy Speaker Benigno Aquino III have made a public statement declaring the party decision to support a single contender in the fight for the speakership.

On Tuesday, Quirino Rep. Junie Cua, chairman of the House committee on trade, hinted that the LP might throw its support behind Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. amid reports that Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay will challenge his leadership when Congress resumes regular session next week.

Drilon said he was leaving it to the LP congressmen to decide among themselves whom to support in the speakership fight, describing the choice as a "purely internal House matter." — Cristina Mendez, Delon Porcalla