“Last Sunday, I again reminded the Speaker of my request to be relieved of my post as vice chair of the Appropriations Committee and he gave me his word then that he will personally attend to it,” Arroyo revealed.
The son of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo explained that given the different positions he has been handling at the Lower House as Chairperson of the Committee on Energy, and at the same time, as deputy majority leader, he “cannot physically handle it.”
“I tried my best to do all my 3 jobs, but after 2-3 weeks, I couldn’t anymore so. I asked him again can you please give my vice chairmanship to someone else because my schedule will not permit (it). I cannot physically handle it,” Arroyo said.
The congressman from Pampanga was replaced by Quezon City 3rd District Rep. Alan Benedict Reyes as vice chairman of the Committee on Appropriations. He thanked Speaker Velasco, Appropriations Panel Chairperson Eric Yap and previous chair, Rep. Isidro Ungab for giving him the privilege of serving the powerful committee.
“It was an honor working with you along with the 34 other vice chairs of the committee.” Arroyo shared. – Daniel Manalastas