Rep. Paduano confirms voting for Speaker Velasco

Abang Lingkod party-list Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano, the new leader of the House minority, confirmed he voted for Speaker Lord Allan Velasco during the speakership row.

Despite his support for Velasco, Paduano asserted that the House minority would act as a "balancing force" within the chamber.

Paduano was part of the 186 House members who supported Velasco's speakership, replacing Alan Peter Cayetano.

He also sided with Velasco when the latter met with President Rodrigo Duterte to resolve the speakership dispute.

Paduano stated that his support for the current leadership does not preclude the minority bloc from scrutinizing administration measures.

The minority bloc, under Paduano's leadership, pushed for the resumption and completion of plenary deliberations on the budget of 18 agencies.

This move aimed to ensure thorough scrutiny of the budget, even if it required extended session hours.