LAWMAKERS VOW SUPPORT FOR BELMONTE / COUP PLOT VS BELMONTE DENIED
[PHOTO- House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr]
MANILA, MAY 28, 2011 (STAR) By Paolo Romero - House leaders and senior lawmakers reiterated their support for Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and cited his effective leadership in the chamber.
Deputy Speaker and Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla dismissed rumors of possible changes in the leadership of the House of Representatives and said Belmonte and the rest of the lawmakers are just focused on their duties and their constituents.
"You don't see anybody having the guts to come and say I'm against the present leadership. I have both feet on the ground, I have my own radar and there's nothing on it, not even a flock of birds," Remulla said, adding that the Speaker is "making our lives easier for us in performing our duties."
Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, vice chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, said "we all continue to support the leadership of the House led by the Speaker."
"If not for his leadership and unifying presence, the Aquino administration's legislative agenda and policies would not be realized," Castelo said.
Ang Kasangga sa Kaunlaran party-list Rep. Teodorico Haresco pointed out that under the leadership of Belmonte, the chamber managed to approve several landmark measures, mostly on good governance, social protection and economic development.
"What is important to a Filipino family is food on the table, quality education for their children, and secure jobs or businesses. And that is always of paramount importance for the House, and always on the mind of the Speaker," Haresco, vice chairman of the House committee on small business and entrepreneurship development, said.
Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, chairman of the House committee on public information, said "the dynamic leadership of SB (Belmonte's initial) has transformed congress from a lethargic and one of the most distrusted public institutions to a vibrant and progressive branch of government."
"He is leading us to confront the challenges of the 21st century, which require a fresh and unorthodox leadership style. Under the leadership of SB, Congress today is at the forefront to address and answer the increasing demand of the pubic for greater accountability, transparency, and sincerity in public service," Evardone said.
"This is evident by swift actions of congress on vital measures and initiatives that have direct impact on the lives of ordinary Filipinos," he added.
Belmonte was elected Speaker of the 15th Congress last July with an overwhelming vote of 227 out of 258 House members.
FROM JOURNAL ONLINE
Coup plot vs Belmonte denied Published : Saturday, May 28, 2011 00:00 Article Views : 12 Written by : Jester Manalastas
EASTERN Samar Rep. Ben Evardone denied a coup plot against Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. as he expressed satisfaction with his leadership.
Evardone was reacting to reports of a coup plot set against Belmonte supported by at least 30 lawmakers.
He said the plot will not prosper because the lawmakers are satisfied with the Speaker's leadership and he has a good working relationship with them.
He added Belmonte is instrumental in improving the trust rating of the House of Representatives.
"The dynamic leadership of Sonny Belmonte has transformed Congress from a lethargic and one of the most distrusted public institution into a vibrant and progressive branch of the government," Evardone said.
He said that under Belmonte's leadership, Congress today is at the forefront in addressing the increasing public demand for greater accountability, transparency and sincerity in public service.
The coup plot floated following Belmonte's failure to defend the immediate release of Priority Development Assistance Fund of lawmakers.
The solons plotting the coup are said to be allies of losing vice presidential candidate Mar Roxas. They are reportedly eyeing Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya to replace Belmonte.
Belmonte is confident Malacañang and his allies in Congress will not turn their backs on him
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