Palace expects Arroyo’s ‘successful leadership’ in Congress

President Rodrigo Duterte and former president, now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.  (PHOTO FROM THE PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS DIVISION)

Following the House leadership row that ousted Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez and installed Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as House Speaker, Malacañang urged Congress to start working in pushing for the legislative agenda of the Duterte administration.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace “is eager and ready to work with the new House leadership.”

“[W]e are confident that Speaker Arroyo would put her considerable skills and experience behind [President Rodrigo Duterte’s] agenda,” Roque said in a statement.

Arroyo was elected Speaker on Monday by 184 House members, becoming the 21st leader of the House and the first woman to hold the post.

The former president said she was “extremely honored” by the support of her colleagues and vowed to push the priority bills of the President at the House of Representatives.

“We look forward to Speaker Arroyo’s successful leadership in Congress, and through that, pushing the President’s priority legislation in the Lower House,” Roque said.

“We likewise thank former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez for his invaluable service to the institution and to the nation,” Roque added.

Alvarez, a known ally of the President, urged lawmakers  on Wednesday to “get back to work and move on.”

“Together, let us roll up our sleeves and start our work in bringing comfortable life for all Filipinos,” Roque said.  /kga