Pampanga lawmaker resigns from PDP-Laban

PAMPANGA, Philippines – Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales has resigned as member of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) chaired by former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The Pampanga 3rd District representative made the announcement during the resumption of session at the House of Representatives on Monday, November 6, as lawmakers prepared to adopt House Resolution No. 1414 – in support of the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez amid attacks against the lower chamber. Gonzales sponsored the resolution on the floor.

Before the resolution was adopted, Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman sought some clarification to “give some anchorage” on what he called the “vague” resolution, and asked Gonzales to name the source of the attacks against the House, which was not specified in the resolution.

Gonzales asked for a minute of suspension, then named Duterte.

“The one who uttered that word is our chairman from PDP-Laban. Before I answer, I will resign now as a member and officer of PDP-Laban. The former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the one who said that,” said Gonzales.

During the session, Romualdez vowed to protect the House against those who seek to damage the reputation of the institution through attacks and intimidation.

In May, Gonzales was installed as Senior Deputy Speaker, the second highest ranking House official, displacing former president and 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. – Rappler.com