Monday, October 12, 2020

House divided: Who is the real speaker? Inquirer Newsletter October 13, 2020

MONDAY SURPRISE Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco is elected new Speaker of the House of Representatives by 186 lawmakers at the Celebrity Sports Plaza in Quezon City on Monday, springing a surprise on Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who vows``one hell of a fight.'' NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

World

An ‘uninhabitable hell’ threatening millions

BARCELONA—A jump in climate-related disasters this century, along with the global coronavirus pandemic, show political and business leaders failing to stop the planet from turning into “an uninhabitable hell” for millions, the United Nations (UN) said on Monday. —REUTERS

Read more: http://philippinedailyinquirerplus.pressreader.com/@AD14433610/csb_GWQ-jH1NQGRNMQov9m3g-Op_eA_XDfmCs6DZMtu3bLk621iMWM-XlzsEysYTjJZm

Business

Economic team urges no more lockdowns

The Philippines cannot revert to stringent COVID-19 lockdown if it wants to save jobs and lift more people out of poverty post-pandemic, economic managers said, adding that the two weeks of stricter quarantine in Metro Manila and four neighboring provinces last month weighed on infrastructure spending and foreign trade. —STORY BY Ben O. de Vera

News

DOH issues guidelines on air circulation in enclosed spaces

Recommended to be held in open-air spaces. If this cannot be done, “opening windows and doors should be put into practice to facilitate the flow of outdoor air into space.” Vergeire said the public should avoid sitting directly in the air flow coming from electric fans and air conditioners. —STORY BY Jovic Yee

Newsletter / Join us

Has this been forwarded by a friend? Subscribe now to the Philippine Daily Inquirer Newsletter and get your latest news and important updates on COVID-19 and the enhanced community quarantine.

Get here

Banner story

House divided: Who is the real speaker?

By DJ Yap

Lord Allan Velasco was installed as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives during an assembly described by incumbent Alan Peter Cayetano as illegal and a bastardization of the legislature, plunging the chamber into chaos a day ahead of a special session to pass the 2021 budget.

The assembly organized by Velasco’s followers at Celebrity Sports Plaza in Quezon City culminated in the election of the Marinduque lawmaker by 186 members—a majority of the 299-strong House, if accurate—who registered their votes in person and via Zoom or Viber.

The proceedings were held behind closed doors but broadcast live by Radio Television Malacañang, hinting of endorsement by President Duterte, whose daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, openly backed Velasco and said her party respected the term-sharing deal between him and Cayetano.

The Palace, however, had no immediate comment on Velasco’s election as Speaker by the assembly. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque reiterated that Mr. Duterte did not want to interfere in House affairs, and quoted him as saying he was fed up with the politics there.

“The important thing is that the proposed 2021 budget is passed,” Roque said.

In a press conference at the Batasang Pambansa, Cayetano warned Velasco that he would not go down without a fight, signaling more trouble ahead in the House, which was supposed to begin a special session on Tuesday to pass the 2021 general appropriations bill on third and final reading. —WITH REPORCayetano war

Editorial

Timeline of cruelty

Three-month-old baby River Nasino’s tragic story of dying after having been forcibly separated from the arms of her incarcerated mother has our failed justice system written all over it. However one looked at it, the timeline leading to her needless, untimely demise is marked by the gross indifference, injustice, and cruelty of a dysfunctional state.

Read full story: opinion.inquirer.net