Duke denies gunning for House speakership

Local

CEBU 5th District Rep. Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco has denied rumors that he is eyeing the position of House Speaker, which is currently held by Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.

Frasco said he is not seeking the role and remains focused on supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s legislative agenda.

“Contrary to recent reports, I have not made any decision—much less offered myself—for the position of Speaker of the House in the 20th Congress," Frasco said in a Facebook post on Monday, June 23.

"At this time, my focus remains on supporting the President’s agenda and contributing to the broader goals of national unity and development,” he added.

Frasco previously withdrew support for the continued leadership of Romualdez, a move that led to his removal from the National Unity Party.

He earlier said the House needs a leader who “unites rather than divides.”

Additionally, Frasco, who served as deputy speaker in the recently concluded 19th Congress, said he would vote for either Bacolod Representative Albee Benitez or Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco if the speakership election were held today.

Among the two, only Tiangco has publicly expressed interest in becoming Speaker, but said he is "not actively seeking for it."

Despite political tensions within the House, Frasco reaffirmed his support for the President.

Frasco, together with his wife Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, joined Marcos in Japan for official engagements, including a visit to the Philippine Pavilion for World Expo 2025 in Osaka.

“The role of the House is to advance national progress, not to deepen political divides. It must more clearly reflect the President’s call for unity, stability, and results," Frasco said in a The Manila Times report.

"My commitment to the President’s vision remains firm, and I believe the House should be a proactive partner in delivering meaningful change for the Filipino people,” he added.(MyTVCebu)