(Photo courtesy of House Press and Public Affairs Bureau)
MANILA – The House of Representatives has named three more deputy speakers as the chamber continues to organize itself under the 19th Congress.
During Wednesday's plenary session, former senator and Batangas Rep. Ralph Recto was elected as deputy speaker after getting nominated by Ilocos Norte Representative and senior deputy majority leader Sandro Marcos.
Also designated as deputy speakers were Cebu Rep. Vincent Franco Frasco and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales.
All three newly-elected House leaders took their oath before Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Their designation brought to nine the number of deputy speakers.
The other deputy speakers earlier named are Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab; Antipolo Rep. Roberto Puno; Las Pinas Rep. Camille Villar; Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan; and TUCP Party-list Rep. Raymond Mendoza.
Meanwhile, former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was designated as senior deputy speaker.
According to Arroyo's office, the senior deputy speaker has requested Romualdez to permit her to take a medical and wellness leave for seven session days, as she intends to travel to France and Singapore. (PNA)
