MANILA, Philippines — Former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has firmly denied reports linking her to an alleged move to remove House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, reiterating her support for the current leadership.
In a statement posted on Friday, Arroyo rejected claims circulating in some reports that she was involved in efforts—allegedly connected to Vice President Sara Duterte—to unseat Dy.
“I categorically deny the allegations regarding the supposed ouster of Speaker Bojie Dy. I continue to express my full confidence in his leadership of the House of Representatives,” Arroyo said.
She also emphasized that her longstanding relationship with Dy’s family remains intact, noting that their mutual support dates back to his late father.
The source of the reports remains unclear. Arroyo, however, reiterated her previous position that she has no intention of seeking the speakership. At the opening of the 20th Congress, she had already expressed support for Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
Her office earlier confirmed that she signed the Lakas-CMD manifesto backing Romualdez during the 19th Congress, underscoring her alignment with the House leadership.
Arroyo had previously figured in leadership tensions within the chamber. In 2023, she was removed from her post as Senior Deputy Speaker after her actions were perceived as part of an alleged attempt to challenge then Speaker Romualdez.
The situation eventually eased as key figures, including Arroyo and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., appeared together publicly. However, months later, Arroyo was again removed from a deputy speaker role after declining to sign a manifesto defending the House from criticisms made by former president Rodrigo Duterte.
ia/xf
