The Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed the appointment of allies of President Rodrigo Duterte to the rank of Colonel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) reserve force. From left is House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez – Colonel, and Deputy Speaker (Rep., Cebu 3rd District) Gwendolyn Garcia – Colonel, Philippine Army, PHOTO BY JOSEPH VIDAL / PRIB
House Deputy Speaker Gwendolyn Garcia has confirmed that the ouster plot against Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez was “touched upon very briefly” during an all-members caucus before the opening of the third and last session of the 17th Congress.
But Garcia said she’s certain someone would object this move.
“That’s on the floor, that will all be decided by the each of the congressmen kung kakailanganin. If there will be, then I’m sure may mag-o-object if there would be a move to oust the Speaker. I guess each congressman will have to decide for himself or herself,” she told reporters after emerging from the short caucus and when asked if she would still support Alvarez.
Garcia said they were “of one mind” that “this has been the most active Congress yet.”
“I think it is always a question of whether or not things are going well in the House ‘yun lang naman. We were of one mind that this has really been the most active Congress yet, and of course you have to attribute that to the leadership. It’s all about each congressman’s take on how this present Congress is being led,” she said.
WATCH: House Deputy Speaker Gwendolyn Garcia said the Bangsamoro Organic Law was tackled during the caucus. She also confirmed ouster vs Speaker Alvarez was "touched upon very briefly." But she said she's sure someone will object it. #sona2018 @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/Mbeju2pvwV
— Path Roxas (@PathRoxasINQ) July 23, 2018
In an ambush interview before the caucus, Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas refused to answer questions on the rumored change of leadership.
The scheduled all-members caucus of the House is yet to start. Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas mum about the rumored ouster plot vs Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. pic.twitter.com/6Rkl66sHna
— Path Roxas (@PathRoxasINQ) July 23, 2018
Davao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr., meanwhile, said he has heard about the rumored ouster of his known rival, Alvarez, but refused to give any further details.
Davao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr. says he has heard about the rumored ouster of his known rival House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. pic.twitter.com/ZevsOmTcP1
— Path Roxas (@PathRoxasINQ) July 23, 2018
Former-president-and-now-Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been rumored to replace Alvarez since February this year after Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio issued scathing remarks against him.
This came after the Speaker supposedly called her newly formed party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), as part of the opposition.
Meanwhile, the seven-member House Makabayan bloc will nominate ACT-Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio as the next Speaker should the House move to oust Alvarez.
READ:
Makabayan bloc to nominate Tinio for Speaker
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