Northern Alliance bloc supports Duterte, Alvarez
Adrian Ayalin, ABS-CBN News
MANILA - Members of the Northern Alliance bloc at the House of Representatives have also joined the Speakership bid of incoming Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez and declared their support for incoming president Rodrigo Duterte.
Some, however, had initial reservations on joining the administration bloc due to Duterte's stand on the death penalty, according to Ilocos Sur Rep. Eric Singson.
"That question was raised kanina. Cong. Alvarez said it will be debated upon. It will be the choice of members," said Singson.
Alvarez said congressmen who are jumping ship are not "balimbings" but lawmakers who love their country. He said it was not difficult to convince lawmakers to support the incoming Duterte administration.
"Mukhang madali dahil siyempre with a president na may malaking mandato," he said.
Alvarez said he has the support of "no less than 180" congressmen.
Earlier, incoming 1-Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero said in a gathering of party-list representatives that a total of 260 congressmen support Alvarez.
READ: Party-list groups back Duterte, bet for Speaker