The three Dutertes in Congress—Paolo “Pulong” Duterte of Davao City’s first district, his son Omar Duterte of the second district, and cousin Harold Duterte of the Puwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat—walked out of the session hall on Monday morning during the election of the new House Speaker, labeling the process a “political spectacle” that no longer serves the Filipino people. Incumbent Speaker Martin Romualdez of Leyte’s 1st district won unopposed with 269 votes and 34 abstentions. In a statement, Paolo Duterte explained his refusal to vote or join the minority bloc, asserting that he would not participate in a leadership contest driven by ambition rather than public service. He criticized the House for treating leadership positions as political prizes, likening it to a “game of thrones” that neglects ordinary Filipinos. Duterte emphasized that his decision was consistent with his principles to represent his constituents with honor and integrity. Meanwhile, Davao City’s third district representative Isidro Ungab, an ally of the Dutertes, attended but abstained from voting and declined to align with either the majority or minority bloc. Romualdez’s nomination, supported by 93% of the House, including former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was led by Quezon’s 2nd district representative David Suarez and seconded by Ilocos Norte’s first district representative Sandro Marcos. Romualdez was sworn in by Representative Salvador Pleyto. (Ian Carl Espinosa/MindaNews)
