In a decisive demonstration of the ruling party’s stronghold in the lower house, the House of Representatives has voted to revoke the franchise of the pro-Duterte network, SMNI.

The outcome, highlighted by former president and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s dissenting “No” vote, sheds light on the political allegiances within the chamber.

The House bill seeking to cancel SMNI’s 25-year franchise garnered significant support, with the final vote tally standing at 284-4-4 during Wednesday’s session.

During the voting on Wednesday, March 20, four members of the lower house cast negative votes against House Bill No.9710, which aimed to cancel SMNI’s existing 25-year franchise.

Among those who opposed the bill were former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Davao City 1st district Representative Paolo Duterte, Duterte Youth Party-list Representative Drixie Mae Cardema, and Kabayan Party-list Representative Ron Salo.

The quartet’s dissenting votes drew attention to their political affiliations and loyalties.

Particularly, Arroyo’s decision to oppose the bill raises eyebrows, signaling a departure from her previous alliances and a potential alignment with the Opposition camp, now spearheaded by the Dutertes.

Arroyo, the chairperson emeritus of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party and a former Philippine president, has earlier been associated with the Marcos administration.

However, her “No” vote suggests a shift in allegiance, as she positions herself alongside the Dutertes, known for their close ties with Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the honorary chairman of SMNI.

Representative Duterte, the son of former president Rodrigo Duterte, has a close association with Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the honorary chairman of SMNI.

Meanwhile, Cardema is a member of Duterte Youth, a party-list that gained prominence during the elder Duterte’s presidency, and Salo currently chairs the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs.

This development underscores the formidable supermajority enjoyed by the incumbent Marcos administration in the lower house and hints at the evolving dynamics within Philippine politics, with key figures like Arroyo navigating complex alliances and asserting their influence on legislative matters.