Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera said she was “honored and humbled” to be elected deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.
Herrera was one of the nine deputy speakers elected by the House during Monday’s session.
The appointment of these nine made the number of deputy speakers jump to 28, the highest number of elected deputy speakers in the history of the chamber.
Herrera also thanked her colleagues, particularly Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, for placing their trust and confidence in her ability to be one of the second-highest ranking officials in the chamber.
“I’m truly honored and humbled by the trust and confidence my fellow lawmakers have placed in me, and I promise to do my best to meet their expectations,” Herrera said.
“It is my honor and privilege to accept the position of Deputy Speaker. I know it is a significant commitment, but I am prepared to contribute along with other House leaders to fulfill the chamber’s mission to support, promote and protect the interests of the Filipinos we represent in Congress.”
Velasco administered the respective oaths of the nine deputy speakers, including Herrera, on Monday.
The eight others were Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., Negros Oriental 3rd District; Juan Pablo “Rimpy” Bondoc, Pampanga 4th District; Eric Martinez, Valenzuela City 2nd District; Kristine Singson Meehan,
Ilocos Sur 2nd District; Divina Grace Yu, Zamboanga del Sur 1stDistrict; Rogelio “Ruel” Pacquiao, Sarangani; Weslie Gatchalian,Valenzuela City 1st District; and Bienvenido Abante Jr. Manila 6thDistrict
The deputy speakers represent various political parties consistentwith Velasco’s style of leadership—one that is “shared by all.”
“Speaker Velasco strongly believes in the concept of shared leadership where every member takes ownership to contribute to the institution’s overall success,” Herrera said.
