Hours after Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte declared his interest on running for the fourth highest position in the land, regional political party Hugpong ng Pagbabago endorsed its own bet for the race.
In a released statement, the HnP endorsed Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab for the House speakership race. At the same time, the HnP headed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte urged the three leading contenders to the race to take a backseat.
“We understand if President Duterte, because of delicadeza, will not accept the intent of our brother from Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, Congressman Paolo Duterte, to resolve the conflict among candidates. Therefore, we are endorsing the bid of Congressman Isidro Ungab for Speaker,” HnP stated.
“We suggest that Cong. Alan Peter Cayetano take the Majority Leader position, Cong. Lord Alan Velasco to take the Appropriations Committee, and Cong. Martin Romualdez to head the Accounts Committee,” the group added.
Ungab is a four term congressman and the only lawmaker to hold the chairmanships of both Ways and Means and Appropriations Committees.
“We earnestly hope that everyone can see the light in this option and move forward with urgency in serving our country,” HnP said.