Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The incoming administration may not have problems enacting its legislative priorities after all as more politicians flock to what is shaping up to be the future ruling coalition.
Lawmakers elected to the 17th Congress, including members of the dominant Liberal Party, have been pledging support to the administration of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte in recent days.
The LP still dominates the House of Representatives but party officials admit, the once strong ruling party in the 16th Congress is now divided into one that supports the future Duterte administration coalition, and the other backing current House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr.
At least 71 LP members met at Belmonte’s office when Congress resumed session Monday (May23). At the end of the day, they also pledged support to Duterte, and consequently, to the bid for speaker by incoming Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, House majority leader Neptali Gonzales said.
With 116 LP members, it was easy for Belmonte to retain the speakership in 15th and 16th Congress. But with at least 70 members or 60 percent of LP members in the lower House transferring to the majority coalition, Belmonte is presumed to take over as minority leader.
According to Gonzales, Belmonte talked to LP congressmen about the importance of being an administration ally. But he just had one request to members who wanted to join what is expected to be the Alvarez-led majority: “Stay as members of LP.”
Gonzales said Alvarez has not yet committed committee chairmanships to LP members aligning with the future majority.
The National Unity Party and Lakas-CMD, on Monday also signed an agreement forming a coalition of around 44 congressmen who are also keen on joining the majority in the 17th congress.
Duterte’s PDP-Laban party has earlier formed alliances with the Nacionalista Party, Lakas-CMD and the Nationalist People’s Party.
CNN Philippines’ Pia Bonalos contributed to this report.
Also read: PDP-Laban signs coalition agreement with NPC
Senate in the 17th Congress: Makeup and alliances
