Speculation of a leadership coup in the House of Representatives has resurfaced following reports of talks between Pampanga 2nd District Representative and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to multiple accounts, Duterte is allegedly backing Arroyo’s return as House Speaker, with efforts reportedly underway to gather support to unseat incumbent Speaker Faustino Dy III.
To secure control of the chamber, at least 160 lawmakers would need to back the move. However, reports indicate that fewer than 30 members have so far signified willingness to join the alleged coup, casting doubt on its viability.
Arroyo previously assumed the speakership in June 2018 after the ouster of then-Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, in a leadership shake-up widely believed to have been supported by Duterte, who was then serving as Davao City mayor.
Caloocan City 2nd District Representative Egay Erice expressed skepticism over the rumored move, noting that most lawmakers remain aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for political and budgetary backing.
“Wala ‘yan dahil naghihintay ang mga congressman ng biyaya,” Erice said, warning that government projects could be affected by any abrupt leadership change.
Erice added that Dy, a member of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), maintains a stable hold on the position, with the party currently controlling 40 seats in the chamber.
He also clarified that his stance as a minority member of the Liberal Party remains unchanged regardless of leadership shifts.
“Ayaw ko kay Marcos at ayaw ko rin kay Sara dahil sa isyu ng dynasty at war on drugs kaya hindi ako sasali diyan (sa kudeta) kung meron man,” Erice said.
The reported coup attempt highlights ongoing political maneuvering within the House, though analysts note that current support remains far from sufficient to mount a serious challenge to Dy’s leadership.