Sara Duterte's new party a 'non-issue,' says Alvarez

MANILA- House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Wednesday said he respects Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio's decision to form a regional party separate from the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP).

Alvarez said Duterte-Carpio's decision to form another political party is a "non-issue." 

"Hindi ko alam, pero okay naman kasi yung mga regional parties, talagang ginawa yun. So... they.... it's a non-issue," he said.

(I don't know but regional parties are fine so it's a non-issue.)

Even though he urged respect for Duterte-Carpio's decision, Alvarez said the move shows how prominent political dynasties are in the Philippines.

"Kahit na mag-ama yan, kahit na minsan hindi tayo nagkakasundo, magkapatid naglalaban sa pulitika, paano natin pigilin yun? Sila mismo naglaban-laban 'di ba? Ito namang sa kaso noong pagtatag ng partido ni Mayor Sara ay talaga namang pupuwede yun, di ba? So, igalang na lang natin talaga," he said.

Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin on Tuesday said the eldest daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte may be eyeing the House speakership in the next Congress. 

Villarin said he thinks the President's party is imploding under the leadership of Alvarez, which prompted Duterte-Carpio to form her own political party without the House speaker.

"Ibig sabihin (It means) they're looking for a fallback because you know, the thrust of Speaker Alvarez has been very divisive. In fact, allies of the Duterte administration are looking at other alternatives," he said.

"Perhaps, this move of Mayor Duterte is to keep them away from the Speaker’s push for charter change and constituent assembly, which are being rejected by the people,” he added.

The Davao City mayor declined to comment on Villarin's statements.