JDV says he’s receiving many offers to join opposition
Embattled Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr on Sunday said that he received many offers to join the opposition after his leadership at the House of Representatives was challenged by lawmakers belonging to the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino, the party of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. âThere are so many invitations, so many options, so many possibilities. Ako naman inaasikaso natin trabaho ... Marami tayong invitation (Iâd rather concentrate on my job ... but there are so many invitations)," he said in an interview on dzMM radio, before joining a golf game at Malacañang Park. When asked if he was seriously considering the invitations, he said, âweâll cross the bridge once we reach it," but added that he wanted to prioritize work rather than politics. De Venecia insisted that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo still supported him and wanted him to maintain the status quo at the lower chamber. He said the pronouncements of presidential sons, Juan Miguel âMikey" Arroyo and Diosdado âDato" Arroyo against his leadership was part of a âfamily problem." âThe battle for the speakership should be based on national principles, visions and programs for the country, hindi family squabble na di magandang tingnan (not on family squabbles that do not look good)," he said. On Friday, Mikey taunted De Venecia for allegedly "hiding under the President's skirt" amid the speakership row. When asked what his plans would be in case the Palace withdraws support for his bid to remain as Speaker, De Venecia said, âWeâll just have to follow what destiny holds." - GMANews.TV