Pampanga Representative and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo denies alleged plans to remove House Speaker Martin Romualdez from his position.
In a statement issued following the recent change in House leadership, Arroyo clarified her stance and expressed her commitment to the legislative agenda of the House Speaker and President Marcos.
Arroyo clarified that recent reports of her alleged involvement in plotting against Speaker Romualdez were based on misconstrued actions, such as her participation in official meetings during a trip to Korea with a delegation of Congressmen.
"When I learned that there were reports that I was suspected of plotting a “coup” against Speaker Romualdez, I decided I must speak out to clarify my political position. Indeed, some of my actions may have been misconstrued, such as my recent trip with a delegation of Congressmen to Korea for some official meetings," her long statement read.
Arroyo outlined her political objectives, which include representing the 2nd district of Pampanga, supporting the legislative agenda of Speaker Romualdez and President Marcos, and utilizing her experience as a former President to contribute when called upon.
Additionally, she expressed her interest in reducing tensions between the United States and China, considering her previous alliances with both nations during her presidency.
The former President stressed that regaining the Speakership is no longer part of her political objectives and has been her position since Speaker Romualdez's election in the 19th Congress. She encouraged her Lakas-CMD party members to support their party President in that role.
"So it should be noted that being Speaker once more is no longer part of my political objectives. This has been my position ever since Speaker Romualdez was elected in the 19th Congress, and I continue to urge my Lakas-CMD party mates to support our party President in that role," she added.
Arroyo's disavowal of pursuing the Speakership aims to prevent unnecessary politicking and enable the House and the President to concentrate on their respective duties with minimal distraction.
In conclusion, she quoted General William Tecumseh Sherman, expressing her position by saying, "If nominated, I will not run, and if elected, I will not serve."
