The principal aspirants for Speaker are all pledging unequivocal support for the President’s legislative agenda, irrespective of its merit or people’s acceptability.

Since they all belong to the same Duterte mold, not one of them in the event of not being anointed by the President or after losing in the Speakership derby can qualify as Minority Leader who should not be beholden to President Duterte or the supermajority.

The House of Representatives needs a Speaker who can assure and defend the independence and integrity of the House as a co-equal department, and not act as a rubberstamp of the President.

A worthy Speaker can have reasonable collaboration with the Administration but can pursue differing views consistent with the people’s welfare, the Constitution and the rule of law.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN