Quezon lawmaker challenging JDV for House leadership

Newly elected Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez of the Liberal Party will challenge Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. for the leadership of the House of Representatives

"I am pursuing my bid for the leadership of the House," Suarez said. "What’s the use of having a stature of leadership when there are no programs for reforms?"

Suarez is unperturbed by a report of Albay Rep. Joey Salceda (Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats) to the House leadership that the incoming 13th Congress "unmistakably points to the virtual re-election of De Venecia."

Asked if he had raised the matter of his bid for the speakership with President Arroyo, Suarez said: "We did not discuss that."

On whether he has the numbers to be elected Speaker, he said: "I’m optimistic and there are many level-headed lawmakers who want reforms in the House."

However, Salceda said the "undiluted JDV core group" numbering 123 lawmakers is comprised of 99 from Lakas, and exceeds the required majority of 118 in the 235-member chamber to elect the Speaker.

A total of 180 lawmakers have already signed a statement of support for De Venecia, he added.

Salceda said De Venecia has consistently delivered the required legislation for the Arroyo and Ramos administrations, and that he has made "immense contributions" to the formation of a national consensus, especially on highly contentious policy and political issues.

"Such legislative leadership was most recently brought to bear with his skillful steering of the canvassing proceedings, which was completed in time despite the stiff resistance of the political opposition and pervasive public skepticism," he said.

"Not only does this singular feat assure him of presidential blessings for his speakership, but also the solid support of a grateful nation."

Suarez, former chairman of the House ways and means committee, said he aims to enhance the revenue-generating capacity of the government through reforms.

Based on his own studies, the government’s revenue-generating operations have an inefficiency rate of 38 percent — for every peso generated, 38 centavos are wasted, he added.

Suarez said a recent study by the University of the Philippines showed that the inefficiency rate has risen from 42 to 46 percent.

He is waging a "serious campaign" among congressmen this week to explain his thrusts and raise the matter with the LP leadership today, he added.

Suarez said he has already met with Mrs. Arroyo and her economic managers "several times" to discuss his legislative direction.

"There has been no debate on my objectives," he added.

If he does not succeed in his objectives in 18 months, he will step down from his post, Suarez added.

Former deputy speaker Raul Gonzalez said Suarez is "technically" a first-termer since he took over from his wife, Aleta, who served in the last Congress.

"JDV’s leadership is impregnable," he said. "I suggest that first-termers sit tight and wait, their time will come."

Gonzalez said come-backing lawmakers should emulate Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong, who despite being former deputy speaker, did not join the jockeying for committee chairmanships.

On the other hand, Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles said in a statement anybody who contests the speakership would only present "a token challenge and nothing really serious" since De Venecia has "an overwhelming number of congressmen" backing him.

"Lakas and the other political parties which are in coalition with the administration are backing De Venecia, not only because he has the support of President Arroyo, but also because they are quite impressed with his performance and leadership," he said.

Nograles said one group that might put up their candidate for speaker would be the opposition, possibly the Laban ng Demo-kratikong Pilipino or the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino, but that this is merely to gain recognition to lead the minority bloc.