Former president and Pampanga congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has found herself unceremoniously removed from her position as deputy speaker in the House of Representatives, marking a surprising turn of events in the political landscape of the Philippines.
This stunning development unfolded during a plenary session on Tuesday when Arroyo was ousted from her prestigious role.
Arroyo is known for playing an instrumental role in the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada through People Power 2 in 2001.
Joining Arroyo in the list of those unseated was Davao City’s 3rd district Representative Isidro Ungab, further deepening the intrigue surrounding this political shake-up.
Both these prominent figures found themselves stripped of their deputy speaker titles, which were once symbols of immense influence within the Philippine legislature.
Arroyo, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, previously assumed the role of Speaker of the House in 2018, following a dramatic shift by lawmakers who replaced a Duterte loyalist with her.
This change in leadership history has been a topic of discussion and speculation within Philippine politics, particularly concerning the shifts in alliances and dynamics.
The timing of Arroyo’s removal as deputy speaker has raised eyebrows, as it aligns with the perceived political tensions brewing between the Marcoses and the Dutertes, two influential political families in the country.
Many have speculated that recent significant political events may have influenced Arroyo’s ouster, as she was widely considered the former president’s most influential political adviser.
Just days before this startling development, General Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, hinted at “destabilization” plots against the current administration.
Brawner later recanted his statement, claiming to be misquoted, but the initial utterance led to suspicion that it was a veiled shot at the Duterte camp.
Adding to the intrigue, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela voiced concerns about the spread of pro-China narratives among certain groups in the Philippines.
These concerns have led some to speculate that his message was directed at Duterte and his allies, considering Duterte’s reputation as a staunch ally of China.
Mr. Duterte himself has contributed to the recent political turbulence by accusing the House of corruption and calling for an investigation, particularly after his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, was stripped of confidential funds.
In his accusations, Duterte pointed fingers at Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, who happens to be the first cousin of presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos Jr.
These political maneuvers and counter-accusations have prompted House party leaders to criticize Duterte for maligning the institution that supported many of his legislative priorities during his presidential tenure.
They issued a statement urging all parties involved to avoid making threats or insinuating harm against any member of the House or the institution itself.
The pivotal leadership change transpired during a plenary session on Tuesday, November 7, with Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st district Representative Roberto Puno presiding over the session.
Davao City’s Representative Isidro Ungab, who was also unseated, was replaced by Lanao del Sur’s 2nd district Representative Yasser Alonto Balindong. The removal of Arroyo and Ungab was set in motion by Deputy Majority Leader Cagayan 1st district Representative Ramon Nolasco Jr., who also named their replacements.
This seismic shift in leadership followed Arroyo and Ungab’s apparent refusal to co-author House Resolution (HR) No.1414, titled “Upholding the integrity and honor of the House of Representatives and expressing appreciation, solidarity, and support to the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.”
This resolution was introduced in response to former President Duterte’s recent criticisms of the House and Speaker Romualdez.
Both Arroyo and Romualdez are members of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party, with Arroyo serving as the party’s chairperson emeritus and Romualdez as the party president.
Arroyo’s removal from her esteemed deputy speaker position now leaves her as an “ordinary congresswoman.”
Notably, Arroyo had held the senior deputy speaker position, second only to Speaker Romualdez, at the start of the 19th Congress in August 2022.
However, her political fortunes took a turn on May 17, 2023, when she was demoted to deputy speaker amid allegations of involvement in a “leaked coup plot” against Romualdez, allegations she firmly denied.
This transition left Arroyo without any committee memberships, a stark departure from her previous ex-officio status as a member of all House committees.
The Daily Netizen 