Gloria Macapagal Arroyo speakership rumors resurface
“It (rumors) has been there for a while but there is no verifiable source,” said Deputy Speaker Fred Castro, NUP president. Philstar.com/File Photo
MANILA, Philippines — Rumors that former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo will be taking over the leadership of the House of Representatives have resurfaced following Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s word war with Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.
But members of the super majority coalition believe there may be no ouster plot to speak of in the first place since no one among them, or even in the National Unity Party (NUP) where the candidate will reportedly come from, is willing to replace the Davao del Norte congressman.
“It (rumors) has been there for a while but there is no verifiable source,” said Deputy Speaker Fred Castro, NUP president.
Castro, who represents the lone Capiz district, acknowledged that Arroyo is one potential replacement for Alvarez although he noted that there is no such movement from the former president’s camp.
Alvarez, secretary-general of the ruling PDP-Laban, had downplayed the ouster plot speculations saying, “I still have the support of the members of the super majority coalition in the House. Nothing has changed.”
Separate sources from Arroyo’s camp have also repeatedly denied that the former chief executive wanted to become Speaker from the time Alvarez had a falling out with Davao del Norte Rep. Tonyboy Floirendo up to the recent spat the House leader had with the presidential daughter.
Some House insiders say Floirendo – a very close friend of Duterte – may lead the move to oust Alvarez.
Administration lawmakers Rey Umali (Mindoro Oriental) and Winston Castelo (Quezon City) also denied the change of leadership rumor, pointing out that Malacañang’s strong “vote of confidence” in Alvarez’s leadership doused cold water on the unsubstantiated report.
“Speaker Alvarez delivers effectively and promptly because he commands the respect and support of almost all factions in the House. He is indispensable in bringing the campaign promise of the President into reality,” said Castelo, House committee on Metro Manila development chairman.
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