House approves 2021 budget amid speakership dispute

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano approved the PHP4.5 trillion national budget for 2021 on second reading on October 6, but suspended sessions until November 16.

This move is seen as a political maneuver to delay Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco's assumption of the speakership role on October 14.

Cayetano claims he moved to terminate debates and amendments for transparency purposes, while his rival Velasco accuses him of holding the budget hostage to retain power.

Velasco ally Salvador Leachon believes Cayetano is buying time to secure more support before the scheduled leadership change.