MANILA, Philippines - House Speaker Sonny Belmonte could not hide his amusement when asked about rumors that Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas is eyeing the Speakership by 2013.
Belmonte said it was Roxas himself who first told him via text about the rumors.
He said Roxas told him: "Sir, wala yan ah."
Belmonte said: “Just for record, he texted and said wala yan ah. Yung storya narinig ko lang. Di naman. Yung storya sabi niya kalokohan iyan sir. That’s what I thought he said. According to him, di niya pa nababasa, he denies it na.“
The Speaker said he didn’t confront Roxas about it. “I will never confront him. I’ll never confront anybody. Wala yan, ika niya. Intriga lang yan, ika niya."
He also said that his term will end in 2013, which means any one could run for his seat in Congress.
“Other people might have interest. That’s their right. Manalo ka muna sa eleksyon," he said.
Asked if he is planning to return to Quezon City as mayor, Belmonte said he has no such plans for now. “I'm quite happy here unless kayo di happy sa akin. Happy naman ako. As of today, yes, confirmed," he said.
Roxas was representative for Capiz in previous Congresses.
Belmonte was Quezon City mayor from 2001 to 2010. Both are allies of President Aquino in the Liberal Party.