Palace looking forward to Arroyo’s ‘successful’ leadership in House

Malacañang on Thursday expressed confidence former President and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will successfully shepherd the legislative agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Arroyo became the country’s fourth highest elected official in a power play against former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez that delayed Duterte's third State of the Nation Address on Monday.

Alvarez has since conceded defeat, urging everyone on Wednesday to go back to work and move on “for the sake of the country.”

“The Palace is eager and ready to work with the new House leadership as we are confident that Speaker Arroyo would put her considerable skills and experience behind PRRD’s [President Duterte’s] agenda,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Roque thanked Alvarez, who led the chamber for two years, for his “invaluable service to the institution and to the nation.”

Duterte called on Congress in his SONA to pass legislations that will address labor, environment, and land use concerns in the country.

The measures include the second package of the tax reform program, rice tarrification, creation of a department on disaster resiliency, anti-contractualization, land use, universal healthcare, and trust fund for coconut farmers.

Arroyo said Charter change is also a priority in the House.

“We look forward to Speaker Arroyo’s successful leadership in Congress, and through that, pushing the President’s priority legislation in the Lower House,” Roque said.

“Together, let us roll up our sleeves and start our work in bringing comfortable life for all Filipinos.” —KBK, GMA News