House allies tell Velasco supporters to resign

House allies of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, including Deputy Speaker Dan Fernandez and Representative Fredenil Castro, have challenged Representatives aligned with Lord Allan Velasco to resign from their posts if they cannot support Cayetano's leadership.

Fernandez stated that it is time for those unsupportive of Cayetano to step down, emphasizing that Congress is a numbers game.

This call follows the removal of 1-PACMAN party-list Representative Mikee Romero as deputy speaker, who supports Velasco.

Romero was replaced by Castro, who previously delivered a privilege speech urging lawmakers supportive of Velasco's speakership bid to quit their leadership posts.

Castro also highlighted the need to prioritize the proposed P4.5 trillion budget for 2021, especially amid the pandemic, and accused Velasco of disrespecting colleagues.

Cayetano will reportedly not be replaced as Speaker despite the term-sharing agreement with Velasco.