Finally, Allan and Alan bury the hatchet

Newly elected Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and former House leader Alan Peter Cayetano are now friends. PHOTO from Senator Bong Go

MANILA, Philippines — Newly elected Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said on Tuesday that he and former House leader Alan Peter Cayetano have already made up.

Addressing his colleagues as the House held a special session, Velasco said he and Cayetano had already talked and settled their differences.

This is during their meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte earlier in Malacañang.

“Ako po ‘yung nilalabas ko na healing hand, kanina po ni Speaker Cayetano nag-usap na kami sa harap po ni Pangulong Duterte,” Velasco said.

(I am extending my healing hand. Earlier, we both talked already in front of President Duterte.)

“Kami po ay nagkasundo at nagkabati na po and I am extending that healing hand for all those na hindi tayo masyado nagkaintindihan” Velasco added.

(We have already made up and settled our differences and I am extending that healing hand for all those whom I had a misunderstanding with.)

He called on his colleagues to stop their bickering and show the Filipino people that the House is united amid the pandemic.

“Let us build a stronger house, let us show everyone, the public, the world that we are honorable congressmen,” Velasco said.

Earlier, 186 lawmakers voted and ratified the election as Speaker of Velasco, effectively ousting Cayetano.

Cayetano conceded the speakership fight and tendered his irrevocable resignation. [ac]