Gullas is new House majority leader

Speaker Manuel Villar will formally announce today the selection of Deputy Speaker Eduardo Gullas (LAMP, Cebu City) as the new House majority leader, replacing Manuel Roxas III, who was recently appointed secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Villar confirmed that Gullas best suits the position not only because he is hard-working but also "because he is the most acceptable" among the majority party members.

Gullas' appointment is expected to end the "bitter rivalry" between Rep. Neptali Gonzales II (LAMP, Mandaluyong) and Rep. Bella Angara-Castillo (LAMP, Quezon) whose names both surfaced as contenders for majority leader.

Gullas, a last-termer, noted that by accepting the post, he actually "sacrificed" himself "for the sake of unity and harmony" in the group. He had been reluctant to take over Roxas' functions, saying that with the heavy workload of a majority leader, he may not have enough time for his constituents in the first district of Cebu.

But Gullas eventually said he is willing to take the seat if his presence there would mean a more focused body which is able to meet its quota of priority legislation.

Expected to replace Gullas as deputy speaker for the Visayas is Bohol Rep. Erico Amentado who currently chairs the committee on ethics.

Among the priority bills that Gullas will be pushing are the Omnibus Power Bill, Securities Act of 1999, a measure lifting the political ad ban, a bill that will broaden the credit base for small farmers, a bill to help develop the Countryside Barangay Business Enterprises, an Anti-Trafficking of Filipino Women measure, and a bill to wipe out organized crime.

"I'm willing to sacrifice but give me a chance also to succeed," Gullas reportedly told Villar when the Speaker approached him to offer the majority leadership.

Under Villar's leadership, the House was able to pass 374 measures mainly on the environment, economy, infrastructure, agriculture and other local bills.

Gullas as majority leader was also pushed by Cebu Gov. Pablo Garcia, who said his provincemate can greatly expedite and facilitate good deliberations in the House.

Gullas first served as congressman in 1969 but his term was cut short when martial law was imposed. He was appointed commissioner of the Professional Regulations Commission and sat on the ruling executive committee.

Gullas also served as governor of Cebu from 1976 and 1986. -