There is no better argument in favor of a smaller, less costly and more accountable government than the absurdity of the House of Representatives having 32 deputy speakers.
Especially at this time, when the government is racking up debts to combat the pandemic, trying to make government services more effective and efficient, to make the most out of its limited resources, it really makes one ask: Why do we need 32 deputy House speakers?
Raising the number of deputy speakers to 32 during this 18th Congress—the highest number of lawmakers holding such a position in the history of the House—only means additional budget allocations next year, according to political analysts.
This was the subject of a recent story we published, written by our House reporter Jovee dela Cruz.
During the last session day of Congress for 2020, the House elected Cavite 8th District Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab as its new deputy speakers.
Just a few days before, House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco administered the oath of office of newly elected deputy speakers, namely, Reps. Arnulfo Teves Jr. (Negros Oriental), Juan Pablo Bondoc (Pampanga), Eric Martinez (Valenzuela City), and Weslie Gatchalian (Valenzuela City).
The plenary also recently elected Rep. Bernadette Herrera of Bagong Henerasyon, Rep. Kristine Singson Meehan of Ilocos, Rep. Divina Grace Yu of Zamboanga del Sur, Rep. Rogelio Pacquiao of Sarangani and Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. of Manila as new deputy speakers.
Meanwhile, other deputy speakers include Rep. Salvador Leachon of Oriental Mindoro, Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez of South Cotabato, Rep. Evelina Escudero of Sorsogon, Rep. Loren Legarda of Antique, Rep. Conrad Estrella III of Abono Party-list, Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. of Surigao del Sur, Rep. Roberto Puno of Antipolo City, Rep. Eduardo Villanueva of Cibac Party-list, Rep. Michael Romero of 1-Pacman, Rep. Neptali Gonzales II of Mandaluyong, Rep. Lito Atienza of Buhay, Rep. Rose Marie Arenas of Pangasinan, Rep. Rodante Marcoleta of Sagip, Rep. Henry Oaminal of Misamis Occidental, Rep. Pablo John Garcia of Cebu, Rep. Deogracias Victor Savellano of Ilocos Sur, Rep. Vilma Santos Recto of Batangas, Rep. Mujiv Hataman of Basilan and Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City.
UP Political Science Assistant Professor Jean Franco said that aside from their regular office budgets, the deputy speakers also get additional budgets and additional staff for their offices at the Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, as well as their district offices. They also automatically become ex-officio members of all House committees, meaning they have voting powers.
Political analyst Ramon Casiple described the election of new deputy speakers as a “very partisan move.”
“Nothing much was done. It was just splitting funds,” Casiple noted. “The appointment of numerous deputy speakers will not serve their respective constituents. Their bloated allowances will only bleed the public’s coffers dry.”
Indeed, the expenses of the House seem to be increasing in proportion to its number of speakers.
In 2017, after then Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao del Norte) appointed 14 deputy speakers, the Commission on Audit reported that the House’s spending increased 16 percent from the previous year to P8.27 billion. In 2018, it increased by 21 percent to P10.02 billion.
The House started with just one deputy speaker. All the Speakers of the House from the Commonwealth Period up to Speaker Ramon V. Mitra, Jr. of the 8th Congress only
had one deputy.
It was Speaker Jose de Venecia, the longest serving Speaker in recent memory, who increased the number of deputies to three during the 9th Congress. They were supposed to represent the three major islands of the country—one each for Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.
Deputy speakers assume the duties and powers of the Speaker in his absence or temporary incapacity. In case of resignation, removal, permanent incapacity or death, deputy speakers take over until such time that a new Speaker is elected and qualified. They also preside over the session if they are designated as temporary presiding officer.
So, does it really take 32 deputy speakers to be on standby and serve in case the Speaker of the House is incapable of doing his duties?
Perhaps not many Filipinos suffering during this pandemic will agree that having so many deputy speakers can provide benefits greater than their costs; that it could translate to the House making better decisions, policies and laws; or that it could lead to the House having more integrity and leadership the country needs now.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano
1 comment
we the taxpayers are screwed and taken for a ride. there should be no deputy speakers. the speaker should be always be present to preside because he is elected for the position and is properly remunerated. if he cannot be physically present to preside then the speaker pro tempore takes over. this set up is a manifestation of laziness at work and a glaring disrespect for the public money. nagpapasarap ng buhay. ang swerte nila. not an ounce of shame and remorse. oh, the gods at the batasan!