Ortega: House solidly behind Romualdez

Amid the apparent intrigue in the House of Representatives’ leadership, Deputy Speaker La Union first district Rep. Paolo Ortega V bared on Wednesday, Sept. 10, that congressmen are solidly behind Speaker Martin Romualdez.

- By ELLSON QUISMORIO

"There is no change of leadership," Ortega said in a chance interview with House reporters on Wednesday afternoon.

Earlier that day, Ortega shared on Facebook photos of a party leaders' meeting in Quezon City.

Present during the meeting and seen in the photos were Leyte first district Romualdez; presidential son Majority Leader Ilocos Norte first district Rep. Sandro Marcos; Ortega; his fellow deputy speakers, and other high-ranking officials of the House.

"The House stands tall because its foundations are service, sacrifice, and solidarity," Ortega wrote as caption.

Asked about this particular post in the interview, the Ilocano said: "As you can see, nagkakaisa po ang House of Representatives, nandun po ang lahat ng party leaders, nandun po ang aming majority leader, nandoon po si Speaker at ang ibang deputy speaker."

(The House of Representatives is united, all the party leaders were there, our majority leader was there, the Speaker was there, as well as the other deputy speakers)

"I think the photo will speak for itself," he added.

However, he did acknowledge that there have been rumors of a coup attempt.