News Roundup 19 May 2023
May 19, 2023 • 5 min Read
Arroyo breaks silence: My actions were misconstrued, I was accused of staging House coup | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Former president and incumbent Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo broke her silence on her replacement as a senior deputy speaker, saying that her actions may have been misconstrued leading to claims that she was staging a coup.
Arroyo, in a statement, refuted the allegation, saying that it is no longer her goal to be elected as speaker of the House of Representatives.
“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,” she said.
“To be clear, my political objectives are three: First, to represent the 2nd district of Pampanga. Second, to support the legislative agenda of Speaker Romualdez and President Marcos. Third, to use whatever experience I have as a former President to help out when I am called upon to do so,” she added.
Arroyo admitted that when Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos was elected president last year, she wanted to aspire for the speakership, but realized the wisdom in having Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as the speaker instead.
“When President Marcos won, I wanted to aspire for the Speakership of the House. But it soon became apparent that he was most comfortable with then Congressman Martin Romualdez as Speaker. I quickly realized the wisdom embedded in that sentiment,” she said.
Full Story at: Arroyo breaks silence: My actions were misconstrued, I was accused of staging House coup | Inquirer News
Sara Duterte resigns from Lakas-CMD | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has resigned from Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), where she served as chairperson.
Duterte on Friday announced the resignation but did not categorically give a reason for her leaving the political party.
She, however, mentioned that her leadership “cannot be poisoned by political toxicity” or “undermined by political power play.”
“I am grateful to all the party members for the support that also once demonstrated that unity is possible to advance our shared dreams for our fellow Filipinos and our beloved country,” she said in a statement.
“I am here today because of the trust of the Filipino people in me to lead and serve them and the country, and this cannot be poisoned by political toxicity or undermined by execrable political powerplay,” she added.
The Vice President assured the public that her commitment to serve the country – with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leading the way – “will be immutable.”
Full Story at: Sara Duterte resigns from Lakas-CMD | Inquirer News
‘Cracks in admin expected, but better to debate issues than fight for position’ | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Makabayan bloc lawmakers said that tensions in the ruling coalition could hint at cracks within the UniTeam that dominated national elections last year, saying as well that lawmakers’ energies would be better spent on debating policy.
They said the alliance of major parties and political clans was tentative from the start.
“When an alliance is not based on principles or platform, the alliance will really be fragile, to begin with and won’t last for a long time,” Rep. Raoul Manuel (Kabataan party-list) said.
Manuel added that it would have been better for constituents to see leaders “argue about their stances on the country’s issues” than a power grab over government posts that only benefit “the vested interests of the few.”
He added: “The people would appreciate it if their elected officials would rather spend time debating among each other to eventually pass well-thought-out legislation on urgent matters like wage increases, affordable and reliable electricity, and others.”
Full Story at: ‘Cracks in admin expected, but better to debate issues than fight for position’ | Philstar.com
Immigration: We’re on the lookout for Teves’ arrival, but can’t arrest him | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:05 p.m.) — Suspended Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. (Negros Oriental) claimed in a video posted Friday on his Facebook page that the Bureau of Immigration has ordered him intercepted once he returns to the country.
The only proof that Teves showed in the video to support his claim was a screenshot of a text message from an unidentified sender containing what appears to be a May 13 memo from Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco.
“Apparently, this is the real reason why they want me to go home. There is now an order for me to be intercepted when I return,” Teves said in Filipino in the minute-long video.
In a statement Friday, the immigration bureau confirmed the existence of instructions that are “part of the BI’s protocols in monitoring individuals who are subject of high-profile cases.”
“Arresting Filipino nationals is not within the scope of the agency,” it also said.
The Department of Justice in March said it was moving to track Teves’ movements, including by issuing an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order. ILBOs direct immigration officers to take note when subjects pass through its counters and verify the status of a complaint or case against them. ILBOs cannot be used to prevent someone from leaving the country and do not order officers to intercept a subject.
Full Story at: Immigration: We’re on the lookout for Teves’ arrival, but can’t arrest him | Philstar.com
