39-member party-list bloc backs Alvarez bid for speakership

MANILA, Philippines - A coalition of 39 party-list representatives on Wednesday pledged to elect Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez as speaker of the House of Representatives when the 17th Congress convenes.

In a coalition agreement signed by the Party List Coalition Foundation (PL Coalition), the members reiterated their support for the incoming administration of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and for Alvarez, his chosen speaker of the House.

The members pledged to vote for Alvarez, "push for meaningful reforms such as fair and equitable treatment of our members, work for enactment of vital measures consistent with our respective advocacies and causes and to constructively collaborate and cooperate with the Duterte administration."

The coalition also said it would take an active role in the organization of the House, including the fair and equitable distribution of committee positions, chairpersonships and of office rooms.

The PL Coalition roster for the 17th Congress is composed of:

• 1 Ang Edukasyon Rep. Salvador Belaro
• 1-Care Rep. Caloy Roman Uybarreta
• 1-Pacman Reps. Michael Romero and Enrico Pineda
• 1-Sagip Rep. Rodante Marcoleta
• Aangat Tayo Rep. Neil Abayon
• AAMBIS-OWA Rep. Sharon Garin
• Aasenso Rep. Teodoro Montoro
• Abang Lingkod Rep. Stephen Paduano
• Abono Reps. Vinni Nola Ortega and Conrado Estrella III
• ABS Rep. Eugene Michael De Vera
• ACTS-OFW Rep. John Beritz
• AGAP Rep. Rico Geron
• Agbiag Rep. Michaelina Antonio
• Ako Bicol Reps. Alfred Garbin Jr., Rodel Batocabe and Christopher Co
• Amin Reps. Sitti Djalia Hataman and Makmod Mending Jr. 
• Ang Kabuhayan Rep. Dennis Laoagan
• Angkla Rep. Jesulito Manalo
• BH Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy
• Buhay Rep. Michael Velarde
• Butil Rep. Cecilia Chavez-Custodio
• Cibac Rep. Sherwin Tugna
• COOP-NATCCO Reps. Sabiniano Canama and Anthony Bravo
• Kabayan Reps. Harry Roque and Ron Salo
• Kalinga Rep. Abigail Ferriol
• Manila Teachers Rep. Virgilio Lacson
• Mata Rep. Tricia Nicole Velasco-Catera
• PBA Reps. Jericho Jonas Nograles and Mark Sambar
• Senior Citizens Rep. Remedios Arquiza
• TUCP Rep. Raymond Mendoza
• Yacap Rep. Benhur Lopez

Party-lists represent marginalized sectors in Congress.

Alvarez also met with members of a coalition of legislators from North Luzon, who also promised to elect him speaker of the House.