Nelson Morales

Lakas members welcome Arroyo’s support for House Speaker, amid Sara Duterte’s threats

Article (news)

Vivienne Gulla

ABS-CBN News

Pampanga 2nd District Representative and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s presence at a photo opportunity with congressmen supporting House Speaker Martin Romualdez after he delivered a speech condemning the recent statement of Vice President Sara Duterte, was welcomed by members of the Lakas-CMD.For House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability Chairperson Rep. Joel Chua, Arroyo’s presence shows solidarity with the House of Representatives amid a supposed threat against its leader.“Malaking bagay po ‘yan, dahil [siya] ay isa sa mga haligi ng Lakas. Talagang maganda na makita ‘yung mga haligi ng Lakas na nagkakaisa at nagsasama, lalong-lalo na sa ganitong mga klaseng panahon kung saan may threat po ang ating institusyon, ang Kongreso, at may threat ang ating bansa,” he said.“Naririnig ko rin na sinusuportahan ni former President GMA ang ating Speaker at silang dalawa ay talagang magkaibigan. May mabuti at magandang relasyon si GMA at si Speaker Martin Romualdez,” House Assistant Majority Leader Jefferson Khonghun added.“Wine-welcome ko ‘yun. Natutuwa ako na nandoon siya… Ang lakas ng dating!” House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega said.Arroyo stood beside presidential son, House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, and House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., during the Monday photo opportunity.In his speech before the House plenary, Romualdez called for accountability after Duterte issued “alarming and unprecedented” statements, which he called a “direct threat to the country’s democracy”.Last September, during the first hearing of a House Committee into the P612.5 million confidential expenses of the OVP and the Department of Education under VP Duterte, Arroyo backed the Vice President’s refusal to take an oath to tell the truth.The former President also raised a point of order when lawmakers asked about the OVP’s confidential funds during its committee-level budget hearing last August.Both hearings were attended by VP Duterte.On Monday, the Vice President appeared during the resumption of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability inquiry. Arroyo was not seen in the hearing venue.

For House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability Chairperson Rep. Joel Chua, Arroyo’s presence shows solidarity with the House of Representatives amid a supposed threat against its leader.

For House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability Chairperson Rep. Joel Chua, Arroyo’s presence shows solidarity with the House of Representatives amid a supposed threat against its leader.