MANILA — Catholic prelates on Tuesday lauded the installation of former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) as House Speaker, replacing Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez.
Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes admitted that he was glad that Alvarez was replaced so that his plans will not push through.
“I am happy that Alvarez was ousted because of his extremely dangerous plans like ‘no election in 2019’, a clear violation of our Constitution,” Bastes said in a statement.
“I am glad that GMA is the speaker because she is a pro-life advocate and as President, she abolished the death penalty. She is also an economist,” he added.
For his part, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco noted that those who supported the installation of Arroyo must have thought of what she would achieve as a leader of the lower chamber.
“I’m sure our lawmakers would always consider how things can become better. They must have thought that GMA would deliver,” he added.
In a 184-0-12 vote on Monday, the 71-year-old solon was sworn to office as the country’s first female House Speaker. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
