MANILA — Malacañang on Sunday said the removal of Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice from his post as senior deputy minority leader in the House of Representatives likely stemmed from a lack of support within the minority bloc.
Speaking to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the move appeared to be the decision of Erice’s own allies, suggesting that differences in principles or priorities may have led them to replace him.
Castro noted that Erice had pointed fingers at others for his removal but did not acknowledge that the decision ultimately came from members of his own group.
She also pointed out that the minority bloc includes lawmakers who are openly critical of the administration, such as Leila de Lima and Chel Diokno.
The Palace official stressed that neither the President nor other government figures issued any order regarding Erice’s removal.
According to Castro, the development should be viewed as an internal matter within the minority bloc rather than an instance of interference by the administration.
Erice earlier claimed that House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos sought his removal because of his criticisms of the President’s policies.
iamigo/
