BACOLOD CITY – Apparently torn between loyalty to her political party and political ally, former President now House Speaker Gloria M. Arroyo has chosen to keep mum on who her preferred successor would be.
Arroyo, who is here to personally campaign for the congressional bid of sister-in-law Maria Lourdes Arroyo-Lesaca and the Hugpong ng Pagbabago senatorial candidates, could be keeping her speakership bet close to her heart because it is being pursued by PDP-Laban’s Rep. Lord Alan Jay Velasco of Marinduque and Lakas-CMD chairman and soon-to-be Rep. Martin Romualdez.
The House leader is currently a member of PDP-Laban but previously headed Lakas-CMD during her presidency.
A third candidate for the speakership is former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano, who is running to reclaim his old congressional seat in Taguig City. Now belonging to the Nacionalista Party, Cayetano was among the architects of an impeachment move against Arroyo.
“I am not going to comment on the next Congress because I am not going to be part of it,” said Arroyo during an ambush interview here.
As a former Chief Executive and outgoing House speaker, Arroyo is believed to wield political influence that could help a congressman become her successor.
Romualdez has remained a loyal ally of Arroyo even during her over four years detention on alleged trump up criminal charges filed against her by the previous administration.
On the other hand, Velasco is expected to be the PDP-Laban bet and is close to the Duterte administration. (Ben Rosario)