Manila, Philippines – Tuluyan nang inalis bilang Deputy Speakers sina dating Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at Davao Rep. Isidro Ungab matapos mabigo ang mga ito na lumagda sa resolusyong pinagtibay ng kabuuang liderato ng Kamara.
Paliwanag ni House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe na ang aksyong ito ng Kamara ay resulta ng maingat na deliberasyon sa pagsasabing, “This particular resolution was of paramount importance, as it manifested the collective intention of the House leadership to rise in unison in defense of the institution.”
Aniya, ang House Resolution 1414 ay tugon ng Kamara laban sa ilang kampo na patuloy na tumutuligsa at umaatake sa integridad ng institusyon maging ng mga namumuno nito.
“The unity and strength of the House are crucial in these challenging times, and the leadership believes in the importance of standing together as one cohesive body. The House leadership respects the right of each member to their individual opinions and decisions. However, leadership positions come with certain responsibilities and expectations.”
Ang hindi aniya paglagda sa resolusyon nina Macapagal-Arroyo at Ungab ay malinaw na ang kanilang perspektibo ay iba kumpara sa “collective stance” ng liderato ng Kamara.
“While their contributions to the House are appreciated and respected, the leadership believes that it is in the best interest of the House to have leaders who fully support and uphold the collective decisions and directions set forth by the leadership,” ani Dalipe.
Sa panig ni dating Pangulo at dating Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ay agad siyang nagpaliwanag sa pamamagitan ng isang pahayag sa pagsasabing, “I’m currently out of the country. However, as I always said, I continue to support the leadership of Speaker Romualdez.”
Paliwanag pa ni GMA na kailanman ay hindi niya umano sinuportahan ang anumang hakbang na patalsikin sa pwesto si House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez at katunayan aniya ay nauna na siyang nagpahayag na kinalimutan na niya ang hangaring maging Speaker at kanya na lamang susuportahan ang liderato ng Kamara.
“There is always intrigue in politics, often petty. If some intriguers were able to convince Speaker Romualdez of the falsehood that I do not support his leadership in the House, then there is nothing I can do. But even as an ordinary Congressman, I will remain true to my word to President Marcos, Jr. – I will continue to support his preferred man for Speaker, and that is Speaker Martin Romualdez. Having made myself clear, I think we should now move on to more pressing national concerns,” dagdag pa ni GMA sa isang pahayag na inilabas nito lamang umaga.
Samantala, maging si Ungab ay nagsabing iginagalang at tinatanggap niya ang anumang pasya ng liderato ng Kamara na pagtanggal sa kanya bilang Deputy Speaker at aniya’y nauunawaan niya ang ”dynamics and interpersonal relations” ng mga mambabatas.
“Despite my removal, I remain supportive of this administration, believing in its program of government, as I have also helped in the campaign last year, in the belief that it can bring a better hope and future for the Filipino people. I accept my fate without any rancor nor bitterness. I leave the deputy speakership’s position assured that I have performed my duties well, with the best intentions and great love for my country,” dagdag pa ni Ungab. Meliza Maluntag
