THREE Dutertes and 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab opted to be independent in the 20th Congress during the House opening session on Monday, July 28.
First District Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte, 2nd District Rep. Omar Duterte, and PPP Partylist Rep. Harold Duterte did not participate in the voting for House Speaker.
Meanwhile, Ungab opted to abstain from the voting session.
Paolo Duterte said he chose to distance himself and refuse to be part of any blocs.
“I did not vote for speaker and I did not join the so-called minority because I refuse to take part in a political circus that has long forgotten who it is supposed to serve — the Filipino people,” he said.
“I represent the people of Davao City, not the political puppeteers nor the self-serving actors parading as public servants in Congress,” he added.
He stressed did not run for Congress to play along with the “farce” but ran to represent the interests of his constituents.
Ungab also echoed the similar sentiment of Duterte.
“Members of the House who choose not to affiliate with either the majority or minority can rightfully be considered independent members,” he explained.
Ungab cited the U.S. Congress and British Parliament, where lawmakers opt to remain independent to uphold impartiality and principle.
“This decision reflects my commitment to serve my district and the nation without being tied to partisan interests,” Ungab added.
Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez was elected uncontested as speaker of the House of Representatives 20th Congress, after gaining 269 votes.
Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative and presidential son, Sandro Marcos, became the majority leader.
Photo courtesy of Isidro Ungab
