MANILA, July 23 (Reuters) - Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

The removal of speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to make way for political heavyweight Arroyo could be pivotal in Duterte's moves to consolidate power and ensure legislative passage of his core policies and his major revision of the constitution.

The diminutive Arroyo, 71, who was in power from 2001-2010 and then detained for five years for graft, was sworn in as the country's first woman house speaker late on Monday after receiving the support of 184 house members present, with 48 against and 12 abstentions.

Arroyo's climb back to become the nation's fourth most powerful elected official will further strengthen Duterte's hand due to her political clout and good relations with some of his biggest critics, particularly among influential Catholic bishops.

Her return will be of little surprise, as many officials Duterte has appointed had served in her administration and the two share similar policy agendas, including their desire to have strong ties with historic rival China.

A former congresswoman and senator as well as president, she has weathered five impeachment efforts and military coups that failed.

She was accused of rigging elections and her government was plagued by allegations of graft involving Chinese firms, which she denies. The Supreme Court in 2016 dismissed plunder charges against her and ordered her release from hospital detention, throughout which she still held her seat in Congress.

Though former speaker Alvarez was effective in pushing Duterte's agenda, he was known for being a divisive figure who had an acrimonious fallout with the president's politically connected daughter, Sara Duterte.

Political commentator Earl Parreno said Arroyo had the experience and influence to shepherd through Duterte's planned shift to a federal system, and might have her eye on the presidency for when his term ends.

"She is perfect for the job," Parreno said.

"This signals a big political comeback. She may have an ambition to replace Duterte under a new constitution in 2022. The only question is, is she acceptable?" (Editing by Martin Petty and Alison Williams)</s>Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s annual State of the Nation Address was delayed for over an hour Monday by a leadership row in Congress.

A tug-of-war for the speaker position erupted in the House of Representatives by incumbent speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Pampanga province representative and former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Arroyo, in a surprise move before Duterte’s arrival at the headquarters of the House of Representatives, took her oath as Alvarez’s successor while the latter was waiting to welcome the president in another part of the halls of Congress.

Congress’ morning session was abruptly adjourned by Alvarez’ allies to preempt the ouster move allegedly led by presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Due to the unexpected early adjournment, the lower House failed to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which Duterte had been expected to sign into law before delivering his speech. In contrast, the Senate earlier ratified it.

"Give me 48 hours to sign it and ratify the law,” said Duterte in his speech, stressing that the Bangsamoro law is his solemn commitment to Muslim Filipinos.

The signing of the law would have been Duterte’s surprise on the day of his speech, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said but clarified that it is only going through a temporary setback due to the internal leadership issues in Congress.

Hours after Duterte delivered his speech, Arroyo was formally elected by 184 affirmative votes as the new House speaker Monday evening with Alvarez seated behind her.</s>The following content is sourced from external partners. We cannot guarantee that it is suitable for the visually or hearing impaired.

This content was published on July 23, 2018 3:01 PM

Philippine's Former President and Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo waves to colleagues after she was elected by congressmen as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives in Quezon city, Metro Manila, in Philippines July 23, 2018. REUTERS/Czar Dancel

MANILA (Reuters) - Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

The removal of speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to make way for political heavyweight Arroyo could be pivotal in Duterte's moves to consolidate power and ensure legislative passage of his core policies and his major revision of the constitution.

The diminutive Arroyo, 71, who was in power from 2001-2010 and then detained for five years for graft, was sworn in as the country's first woman house speaker late on Monday after receiving the support of 184 house members present, with 48 against and 12 abstentions.

Arroyo's climb back to become the nation's fourth most powerful elected official will further strengthen Duterte's hand due to her political clout and good relations with some of his biggest critics, particularly among influential Catholic bishops.

Her return will be of little surprise, as many officials Duterte has appointed had served in her administration and the two share similar policy agendas, including their desire to have strong ties with historic rival China.

A former congresswoman and senator as well as president, she has weathered five impeachment efforts and military coups that failed.

She was accused of rigging elections and her government was plagued by allegations of graft involving Chinese firms, which she denies. The Supreme Court in 2016 dismissed plunder charges against her and ordered her release from hospital detention, throughout which she still held her seat in Congress.

Though former speaker Alvarez was effective in pushing Duterte's agenda, he was known for being a divisive figure who had an acrimonious fallout with the president's politically connected daughter, Sara Duterte.

Political commentator Earl Parreno said Arroyo had the experience and influence to shepherd through Duterte's planned shift to a federal system, and might have her eye on the presidency for when his term ends.

"She is perfect for the job," Parreno said.

"This signals a big political comeback. She may have an ambition to replace Duterte under a new constitution in 2022. The only question is, is she acceptable?"</s>MANILA (Reuters) - Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

The removal of speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to make way for political heavyweight Arroyo could be pivotal in Duterte’s moves to consolidate power and ensure legislative passage of his core policies and his major revision of the constitution.

The diminutive Arroyo, 71, who was in power from 2001-2010 and then detained for five years for graft, was sworn in as the country’s first woman house speaker late on Monday after receiving the support of 184 house members present, with 48 against and 12 abstentions.

Arroyo’s climb back to become the nation’s fourth most powerful elected official will further strengthen Duterte’s hand due to her political clout and good relations with some of his biggest critics, particularly among influential Catholic bishops.

Her return will be of little surprise, as many officials Duterte has appointed had served in her administration and the two share similar policy agendas, including their desire to have strong ties with historic rival China.

A former congresswoman and senator as well as president, she has weathered five impeachment efforts and military coups that failed.

She was accused of rigging elections and her government was plagued by allegations of graft involving Chinese firms, which she denies. The Supreme Court in 2016 dismissed plunder charges against her and ordered her release from hospital detention, throughout which she still held her seat in Congress.

Though former speaker Alvarez was effective in pushing Duterte’s agenda, he was known for being a divisive figure who had an acrimonious fallout with the president’s politically connected daughter, Sara Duterte.

Political commentator Earl Parreno said Arroyo had the experience and influence to shepherd through Duterte’s planned shift to a federal system, and might have her eye on the presidency for when his term ends.

“She is perfect for the job,” Parreno said.

“This signals a big political comeback. She may have an ambition to replace Duterte under a new constitution in 2022. The only question is, is she acceptable?”</s>MANILA (Reuters) - Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

The removal of speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to make way for political heavyweight Arroyo could be pivotal in Duterte’s moves to consolidate power and ensure legislative passage of his core policies and his major revision of the constitution.

The diminutive Arroyo, 71, who was in power from 2001-2010 and then detained for five years for graft, was sworn in as the country’s first woman house speaker late on Monday after receiving the support of 184 house members present, with 48 against and 12 abstentions.

Arroyo’s climb back to become the nation’s fourth most powerful elected official will further strengthen Duterte’s hand due to her political clout and good relations with some of his biggest critics, particularly among influential Catholic bishops.

Her return will be of little surprise, as many officials Duterte has appointed had served in her administration and the two share similar policy agendas, including their desire to have strong ties with historic rival China.

A former congresswoman and senator as well as president, she has weathered five impeachment efforts and military coups that failed.

She was accused of rigging elections and her government was plagued by allegations of graft involving Chinese firms, which she denies. The Supreme Court in 2016 dismissed plunder charges against her and ordered her release from hospital detention, throughout which she still held her seat in Congress.

Though former speaker Alvarez was effective in pushing Duterte’s agenda, he was known for being a divisive figure who had an acrimonious fallout with the president’s politically connected daughter, Sara Duterte.

Political commentator Earl Parreno said Arroyo had the experience and influence to shepherd through Duterte’s planned shift to a federal system, and might have her eye on the presidency for when his term ends.

“She is perfect for the job,” Parreno said.

“This signals a big political comeback. She may have an ambition to replace Duterte under a new constitution in 2022. The only question is, is she acceptable?”</s>MANILA (Reuters) - Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

The removal of speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to make way for political heavyweight Arroyo could be pivotal in Duterte’s moves to consolidate power and ensure legislative passage of his core policies and his major revision of the constitution.

The diminutive Arroyo, 71, who was in power from 2001-2010 and then detained for five years for graft, was sworn in as the country’s first woman house speaker late on Monday after receiving the support of 184 house members present, with 48 against and 12 abstentions.

Arroyo’s climb back to become the nation’s fourth most powerful elected official will further strengthen Duterte’s hand due to her political clout and good relations with some of his biggest critics, particularly among influential Catholic bishops.

Her return will be of little surprise, as many officials Duterte has appointed had served in her administration and the two share similar policy agendas, including their desire to have strong ties with historic rival China.

A former congresswoman and senator as well as president, she has weathered five impeachment efforts and military coups that failed.

She was accused of rigging elections and her government was plagued by allegations of graft involving Chinese firms, which she denies. The Supreme Court in 2016 dismissed plunder charges against her and ordered her release from hospital detention, throughout which she still held her seat in Congress.

Though former speaker Alvarez was effective in pushing Duterte’s agenda, he was known for being a divisive figure who had an acrimonious fallout with the president’s politically connected daughter, Sara Duterte.

Political commentator Earl Parreno said Arroyo had the experience and influence to shepherd through Duterte’s planned shift to a federal system, and might have her eye on the presidency for when his term ends.

“She is perfect for the job,” Parreno said.

“This signals a big political comeback. She may have an ambition to replace Duterte under a new constitution in 2022. The only question is, is she acceptable?”</s>MANILA (Reuters) - Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

Philippine's Former President and Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo gestures after she was elected by congressmen as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives in Quezon city, Metro Manila, in Philippines July 23, 2018. REUTERS/Czar Danceld

The removal of speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to make way for political heavyweight Arroyo could be pivotal in Duterte’s moves to consolidate power and ensure legislative passage of his core policies and his major revision of the constitution.

The diminutive Arroyo, 71, who was in power from 2001-2010 and then detained for five years for graft, was sworn in as the country’s first woman house speaker late on Monday after receiving the support of 184 house members present, with 48 against and 12 abstentions.

Arroyo’s climb back to become the nation’s fourth most powerful elected official will further strengthen Duterte’s hand due to her political clout and good relations with some of his biggest critics, particularly among influential Catholic bishops.

Her return will be of little surprise, as many officials Duterte has appointed had served in her administration and the two share similar policy agendas, including their desire to have strong ties with historic rival China.

A former congresswoman and senator as well as president, she has weathered five impeachment efforts and military coups that failed.

She was accused of rigging elections and her government was plagued by allegations of graft involving Chinese firms, which she denies. The Supreme Court in 2016 dismissed plunder charges against her and ordered her release from hospital detention, throughout which she still held her seat in Congress.

Though former speaker Alvarez was effective in pushing Duterte’s agenda, he was known for being a divisive figure who had an acrimonious fallout with the president’s politically connected daughter, Sara Duterte.

Political commentator Earl Parreno said Arroyo had the experience and influence to shepherd through Duterte’s planned shift to a federal system, and might have her eye on the presidency for when his term ends.

“She is perfect for the job,” Parreno said.

“This signals a big political comeback. She may have an ambition to replace Duterte under a new constitution in 2022. The only question is, is she acceptable?”</s>related media assets (image or videos) available. Click to see the gallery.

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Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

MANILA: Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

The removal of speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to make way for political heavyweight Arroyo could be pivotal in Duterte's moves to consolidate power and ensure legislative passage of his core policies and his major revision of the constitution.

The diminutive Arroyo, 71, who was in power from 2001-2010 and then detained for five years for graft, was sworn in as the country's first woman house speaker late on Monday after receiving the support of 184 house members present, with 48 against and 12 abstentions.

Arroyo's climb back to become the nation's fourth most powerful elected official will further strengthen Duterte's hand due to her political clout and good relations with some of his biggest critics, particularly among influential Catholic bishops.

Her return will be of little surprise, as many officials Duterte has appointed had served in her administration and the two share similar policy agendas, including their desire to have strong ties with historic rival China.

A former congresswoman and senator as well as president, she has weathered five impeachment efforts and military coups that failed.

She was accused of rigging elections and her government was plagued by allegations of graft involving Chinese firms, which she denies. The Supreme Court in 2016 dismissed plunder charges against her and ordered her release from hospital detention, throughout which she still held her seat in Congress.

Though former speaker Alvarez was effective in pushing Duterte's agenda, he was known for being a divisive figure who had an acrimonious fallout with the president's politically connected daughter, Sara Duterte.

Political commentator Earl Parreno said Arroyo had the experience and influence to shepherd through Duterte's planned shift to a federal system, and might have her eye on the presidency for when his term ends.

"She is perfect for the job," Parreno said.

"This signals a big political comeback. She may have an ambition to replace Duterte under a new constitution in 2022. The only question is, is she acceptable?"</s>PAMPANGA Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo officially became the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Monday after her colleagues convened in a session following the third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Rodrigo Duterte.

With 184 lawmakers voting for her installation, the former president became the first female House Speaker of the Philippines, ousting Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez.

Talk of Arroyo taking over the Speakership from Alvarez broke out just before the opening of the session at 10 a.m.

But the House adjourned the session without the expected change in leadership.

Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. was supposed to raise his objection to the adjournment of the session earlier when the audio of the livestream was turned off.

“The session was adjourned despite objections raised loudly on the floor, objecting the motion to adjourn. While the motion to adjourn is not debatable, there was an objection. In that case, the motion should be put to a vote,” Andaya earlier said.

Members of the House returned to the session hall by early afternoon, and signed a manifesto calling for Alvarez’s ouster as Speaker.

At past 3 p.m., Arroyo was then sworn in as House Speaker even as the microphone at the podium was notably turned off.

While Arroyo was at the podium, Alvarez was seen welcoming Duterte to the House.

Despite Arroyo being sworn in, it was Alvarez who took the Speaker’s seat during the Sona.

President Duterte had a talk with Alvarez and Arroyo after the House voted to oust Alvarez.

Afterwards, Alvarez emerged and took the Speaker’s seat.

Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa of Cebu City’s south district was among those who signed the manifesto to oust Alvarez.

“I signed the manifesto and voted for GMA to take over the House leadership from Speaker Alvarez. His pronouncements against the Cebu City Bus Rapid Transit project and his support to the opposition group in Cebu City are key points that influenced my vote for GMA as Speaker,” he said in a text message to Cebu Daily News.

For his part, Rep. Benhur Salimbangon said the National Unity Party (NUP) where he belongs supported Alvarez’s removal as House Speaker.

“The endorsement was signed by the party. It was a party’s decision,” he said, explaining why he also signed the manifesto.

Cebu Daily News also tried to contact other Cebuano members of the House but they did not answer the calls.

In 2010, before Arroyo’s term ended, several analysts have considered her career in national politics over, after her administration was consistently plagued by corruption issues. After eight years and several years of medical treatment, she made her comeback to head the 17th Congress.

In 1998, Arroyo was the running mate of presidential candidate Joe de Venecia, who lost to eventual President Joseph Estrada. Arroyo won, with one of the largest vote differentials in Philippine elections.

When Estrada stepped down from office in 2001, Arroyo was sworn into office during the so-called Edsa 2 rally. / with reports from Morexette Marie B. Erram and Jessa Mae O. Sotto</s>The House Speaker page on Wikipedia is updated a few minutes after the news of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo replacing Pantaleon Alvarez broke

MANILA, Philippines – The Wikipedia page of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines reflected Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the new House Speaker, a few minutes after the news broke.

Arroyo, former president and currently Pampanga 2nd district representative, replaced Pantaleon Alvarez as House Speaker, with reported backing from presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The page's edit history showed that it was updated at 4:10 pm by RepublicaNegrense, via mobile phone, roughly around 20 minutes after Arroyo appeared at the rostum at the plenary hall to take her oath.

Wikipedia allows anyone to make edits to a given page, though these are subject to vetting by community editors and reverted if the edits are without merit. Anonymous users are tagged by their IP addresses.

President Rodrigo Duterte was supposed to deliver his speech at 4 pm, but it has been delayed for over an hour already. (READ: 10 things to expect at Duterte’s SONA 2018) – Aika Rey/Rappler.com
Majority of the House of Representatives of the Philippines elects Former President and current House Representative, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as House Speaker of the lower congress replacing Pantaleon Alvarez.