Malacañang on Thursday addressed circulating rumors that the House of Representatives may once again undergo a change in its Speakership.
In a press briefing on November 20, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that the President has no control over decisions concerning the House leadership.
“Ang pagpili po kasi ng liderato ng Kongreso ay wala sa kamay ng Pangulo. Kung ano po ang kanilang magiging desisyon diyan, kung ano ang kanilang pagpapatakbo diyan, hindi po saklaw ng Pangulo. Nasa kanila po ‘yan kung ano ang nais nilang gawin sa House of Representatives,” Castro said.
When asked if President Bongbong Marcos’ influence could affect the situation in the lower chamber, Castro responded: “Wala po akong nakikita at wala pong ganon.”
It may be recalled that in September, then–House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez vacated his post after facing controversies over his alleged links to anomalous flood control projects.
He was replaced by Isabela 6th District Representative Bojie Dy, who secured 253 votes from his fellow lawmakers, while 28 members abstained.
The Palace reiterated that any future decisions regarding House leadership remain exclusively within the jurisdiction of the House of Representatives.