MANILA, Philippines – Press statements in the past week have strongly indicated that House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo were not in good terms.
Romualdez said there was a need to block destabilization efforts in the House, just days after Arroyo insisted she was not trying to instigate a coup against his longtime mentee.
But on Monday, May 22, Romualdez wanted to send a message to spectators of the congressional drama: that he has made peace with his reliable political ally.
We provide a rundown of the spectacle in the House of Representatives in this Rappler Recap.
Romualdez’s gesture of peace included a mano po gesture, holding Arroyo’s hand, and exchanging pleasantries with her.
Read the rest of our reports here:
- Gloria Arroyo demoted, loses ‘senior’ title in House deputy speakership
- WATCH: The moment Gloria Arroyo was removed as House senior deputy speaker
- Loyalty check? House blocs affirm support for Speaker Romualdez amid ouster plot rumors
- Gloria Arroyo denies ouster plot vs Speaker Romualdez
- Sara Duterte resigns from Lakas-CMD amid House drama between Romualdez, Arroyo
- Uniteam no more? House squabble puts spotlight on 2025, 2028 elections
- House drama: Romualdez says focus on work, not political destabilization
- Water under the bridge? Romualdez, Arroyo hold hands after tense week in House
– Rappler.com
