MANILA, Philippines — Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano has been unanimously elected as the new House minority leader to replace Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. The minority bloc in the House made the announcement Monday through a statement sent by Marikina Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo. According to the minority bloc, Paduano is a third term member of Congress, and has been a member of the Minority bloc since the 17th Congress. “Members of the minority bloc may have differences due to party affiliations, convictions, beliefs and even ideologies, but it will always unite with regards to legislations that will redound to the ordinary Filipino,” the minority bloc said. To recall, on October 16, Abante announced his decision to step down from his post as House minority leader and join the majority bloc.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer October 19, 2020 10:18 UTC