“We are proud to have a seasoned legislator who is the new Speaker of the House. A Mindanaoan at the helm of the national leadership would bring in new perspective and directions as well as a new legislative agenda for the country.”
Art Boncato, marketing director
Marco Polo Hotel-Davao
“Congrats! But I will reserve comments after legislations genuinely beneficial to the people, like wage and salary increases, repeal the deregulation laws, shall have been passed.”
Angela Librado-Trinidad, Davao city councilor
“Speaking as an ordinary citizen, not one of his staff, I think that what he has done for Davao—the roads, bridges, schoolbuildings—will double now that he has been voted as the new Speaker.”
Nono Sumatra, staff of Congressman Nograles
Nograles as Mindanaoan must oppose massive militarization in our communities, must not allow the presence of US troops, the exploitation of our natural resources, and all other forms of US intervention in the country. He must initiate a movement in Congress to scrap the mining acts. He is expected to promote laws that will generally protect the rights and welfare of the Mindanaoans. But the worst economic situation and human rights violations might be experienced again because he and his predecessor are both puppets of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Zainab Ampatuan
Chair, Suara Bangsamoro
“We, in the partylist and the minority do not expect any change. In fact with Nograles, the hold of Malacaang in the House is now stronger. I challenge Nogie to pay more attention to Mindanao concerns, as he promised.”
Prof. Luz Ilagan, partylist representative
Gabriela Women’s Party
With Nograles as the Speaker of the House, expect more moves to change the Constitution. Arroyo is bent on staying in power, so, expect Congress to impede all attempts for her impeachment. She has put in place her staunchest, most loyal ally.
Alex Roldan, commentator, DXDC
chief, City Hall information office
Hopefully, his Speakership will usher genuine reforms in the House of Representatives. As the first Mindanawon to hold such a position, much will be expected from Speaker Nograles, now the fourth powerful person in the country.
Lawyer Carlos Isagani Zarate, secretary general
Union of People’s Lawyers in Mindanao
Nograles is there to protect the anomalies of the present government because De Venecia could no longer do it for them. He doesn’t have the trust and confidence of the opposition so the new Speaker will not last a long time.
Alfredo Garbin
Civil Engineer
At whose benefit is the Speakership of Boy? Will this give an edge to Davao in terms of economic development?
Nenita Orcullo, former Davao city councilor
