“Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever…” –Psalms 112:1-3
Many are asking why former president, Pampanga second district Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, was suddenly named the new speaker of the house. Firstly, her predecessor, Davao del Norte first district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, failed to faithfully discharge the duties and responsibilities of his position, as shown in the anger expressed by lawmakers who earlier selected him as leader.
Truthfully, Macapagal Arroyo could be considered one of those “angry lawmakers” since Alvarez had earlier ousted her as deputy speaker after her refusal to support reviving the death penalty. Since then, the former speaker made several more enemies after depriving them of infrastructure funding after failing to support his initiatives.
Even his PDP-Laban party mates were mad at him, with criticisms thrown amid his actions as a party leader, leading to his persona non grata status in the party; particularly after allegedly accepting several new party members without conducting proper screening.
Alvarez also crossed swords with the Court of Appeals, which he threatened to abolish, especially following the so-called “Ilocos 6” case, where six Ilocos Norte government officials reportedly refused to answer questions on corruption allegations – the court stayed the detention order.
What perhaps sealed the former speaker’s fate was the perception he ruled like a king. As Deputy Speaker Fredenil Castro told the media, “Alvarez made no effort at all to just inquire on what congressmen needed in their districts the entire time he was their leader.”
What to expect from House Speaker GMA
In contrast, with regard to Macapagal Arroyo, Castro said she managed to work out fruitful relationships with lawmakers, calling her considerate not only for legislator interests but with the welfare of their respective staff – in short, her personality was vastly different from Alvarez, even if he served as transportation secretary during her presidential administration.
What is expected of her as speaker? Since her election, we have seen opposition speak out, along with relentless criticism, particularly from Senator Grace Poe, who resurrected corruption allegations against the former president.
If memory serves me right, Macapagal Arroyo was under criticism during her presidency but she shrugged her shoulders and endeavored to finish her term. I think the same thing will happen to her as speaker, she will ignore the opposition and pursue her role no matter what.
What are her intentions as speaker? Many believe she is using it as a vehicle to return to Malacañang; however, for me, this position was given to her by God and, as mentioned in my prior column, is a final opportunity to truly serve the interests of the Filipino people.
***
FOR QUESTIONS, REACTIONS: If anyone would like to ask me any question about what the burning issues of the day mean, what we have discussed here, or to consult any problem, whatever it maybe, please call 0917-984-2468, email me at batasmauricio@yahoo.com, or post your concerns at facebook.com/attybatas. Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!/WDJ