The House of Representatives elected on Thursday, March 25, its 33rd deputy speaker under the leadership of Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

During the plenary session on Thursday, Deputy Speaker Juan Pablo “Rimpy” Bondoc spoke on behalf of the majority and nominated Biñan City Representative Marlyn “Len” Alonte as deputy speaker.

Her position as deputy majority leader was given to Quezon City 4th District Representative Jesus “Bong” Suntay.

This is the most number of deputy speakers that the House had in its history, with one in every 10 lawmakers being a deputy speaker.

Deputy speakers preside over the plenary on behalf of the speaker, they also are given additional funds for staffing.

They also automatically become ex-officio members of all House committees, giving them voting powers.

Speakers usually choose allies and veteran lawmakers as their deputies in the House. – Rappler.com