Solons squabble as House session opens

(Updated 12:18 p.m.) An hour since the 14th Congress started its session, lawmakers at the House of Representatives on Monday were still in a verbal tussle regarding the authority of its secretary general to preside as the chamber's speaker. Right after the opening prayer of the Manila Rep. Zenaida Angpin at around 10 a.m., congressmen-supporters of Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia took the floor to prevent the secretariat in its "roll call." Garcia of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) is seeking the highest post in the House and stop Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia of the Lakas party from assuming a fifth term as speaker. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who will deliver her seventh State of the Nation Address (SONA) later in the afternoon, is the chairman of Lakas and the titular head of Kampi. Led by Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte, the Garcia faction questioned the authority of Secretary General Roberto Nazareno to preside and conduct business in the election of the speaker. After a heated debate, both camps agreed to finish the roll call, which produced 224 warm bodies. However, Shariff Kabunsuan Rep. Didagen Dilanganen then took the floor and again revived the question on Nazareno’s authority to act as temporary House leader. In a stern voice, Dilangalen said that, "[We must] follow the rule of parliamentary order. This is a matter of high constitutional privilege. It has not been respected at all. And I will not allow that anyone interfere because there is a pending motion for nominal voting." Dilanganen argued that Nazareno was never "elected" as secretary general and was only appointed by De Venecia. He said Nazareno’s tenure as secretary general already expired on June 30, as the latter's appointment was co-terminus with De Venecia as the leader of the previous House. Tempers flared as both sides refused to budge, leading to a lengthy shouting match. De Venecia's supporter Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II replied that, "The misconception of the distinguished gentleman from (Shariff Kabunsuan) is that considering that he is the one talking, he could no longer be interrupted. That is a misconception Mr Speaker." For his part, acting House Majority leader Arthur Defensor maintained that it was the House practice in the previous 9th to 13th Congresses to allow the secretary general to preside in the House until the Speaker has elected. The debate continues as of writing. - GMANews.TV