Arroyo supporters install her as speaker, but Alvarez stays put

July 23, 2018

Supporters of Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo installed her as new Speaker as few hours before President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his State of the Nation Address before a joint session of Congress at the House of the Representatives.

But it was unclear if the election of Arroyo  will be challenged by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez because the proceeding happened without a mace or the symbol of authority.

Alvarez remained in his post as  Duterte was set to address Congress past 5 pm.

Arroyo was escorted by her allies at the podium of the House of Representatives and took her oath before Kabuhayan party-list Rep. Dennis Laogan.

At 3:30 pm, Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. began questioning the abrupt adjournment of session at 12:29 in the afternoon.

Andaya’s microphone was cut off, but he proceeded with the process of naming of Arroyo as Speaker, stressing there were at least 161 lawmakers present

The election of Arroyo as replacement of Alvarez happened after Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles called a roll. DMS