Duterte says House leadership squabble is internal affair

President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated that the leadership squabble at the House of Representatives is an internal matter of a co-equal branch of government.

Duterte met with Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday night, which Malacañang said was arranged two weeks prior.

Also present in the meeting were Speaker Cayetano's wife Taguig City Representative Lani Cayetano and his sister Senator Pia Cayetano, Deputy Speaker Eddie Villanueva, and Senator Christopher "Bong" Go.

The meeting occurred after members of the House of Representatives voted to reject Cayetano's resignation as leader of the legislative chamber.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated that President Duterte will not meddle in the House leadership, respecting their internal affairs and vote.

Roque emphasized that the House leadership itself should announce any agreements made during their meeting.

President Duterte had previously met with Cayetano and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco on Tuesday night to address the speakership term-sharing deal.

Under the deal brokered by Duterte, Cayetano was to hold the speakership post for 15 months, with Velasco taking over for the remaining 21 months.