Duterte apologizes to Alvarez for ouster as Speaker

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday admitted that he has apologized to his friend, Davao Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez for his ouster as Speaker of the House of Representatives last year.

Alvarez was booted out of the House speakership in favor of former president and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo before Duterte delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 2018.

Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio reportedly had a hand in Alvarez’ ouster.

“Alam mo kaibigan talaga kami ni Speaker (Alvarez) noon pa. I am very sorry that it had to happen but si Inday ang, hindi ko kaya sa totoo lang,” Duterte said during the initial campaign rally of PDP-Laban here in Bulacan.

Alvarez, a PDP-Laban stalwart, was present during the campaign sortie.

“Ako gusto ko anti-dynasty pero hindi ko talaga kaya si Inday sa totoo lang. Away lang. Siya nagdi-dictate eh. Nakita siya na matanda  na ako. Nagkagulo pati partido,” Duterte added.

Months after the ouster of Alvarez, Duterte admitted that it was indeed her daughter who moved for the removal of Alvarez as Speaker.

The President said his daughter apparently took offense over Alvarez’s alleged statement that he, as leader of the lower chamber, can impeach Duterte.  /gsg

READ: Duterte: Be careful with Sara, she can even oust the Speaker