Velasco asked Duterte’s OK to run for Speaker; President said it’s his right

Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco sought President Rodrigo Duterte's permission to run for House Speaker during a meeting on Monday night.

Duterte told Velasco that he had the right to run based on an agreement with former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

The meeting, which lasted several hours and ended past 3 am, was initiated by Velasco.

Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque stated that Duterte did not fully endorse Velasco's bid but acknowledged his right to pursue it.