The Frasco couple now holds prominent positions in both the legislative and executive branches, marking a notable moment in Cebu politics.
Cebu 5th District Representative Duke Frasco reclaimed a leadership role in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, being elected as one of three new deputy speakers during the chamber’s plenary session.
The motion for his election was filed by House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos Jr., and was approved by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III. Marcos announced on the floor: “Mr. Speaker, on the part of the Majority, I move to nominate and elect as Deputy Speakers, Rep. Maria Rachel J. Arenas, Rep. Vincent Franco ‘Duke’ Frasco, and Rep. Alfredo ‘Albee’ Benitez. I so move.”
Frasco previously served as House deputy speaker in the 19th Congress from 2022 to 2025 under then-Speaker Martin Romualdez. He was later dismissed from the National Unity Party (NUP) after declining to support Romualdez’s reelection bid, signaling his political independence.
On the same day, his wife, former Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, took her oath as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. In her new role, she will coordinate government initiatives on disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, environmental protection, and sustainable local development. She is also tasked with identifying gaps and bottlenecks that may hinder the implementation of national priorities.
The appointments of Duke and Christina Frasco mark a rare moment where a political couple simultaneously holds key leadership positions in both the legislative and executive branches, underscoring their enduring influence in Cebu and national politics.
Duke Frasco’s return to the deputy speakership follows a reshuffling of House alliances after Speaker Romualdez resigned last September, a move linked to controversies surrounding flood control projects.
Alongside Frasco, Pangasinan 3rd District Representative Maria Rachel Arenas and Bacolod City Representative Albee Benitez were also elected as deputy speakers, joining the leadership team in the House of Representatives. (SBA)
