MANILA, Philippines — Former President and current Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has flatly denied rumors of a plot to unseat House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, asserting that she remains fully confident in the current leadership of the House of Representatives.
In a statement released on Friday, April 10, 2026, Arroyo dismissed reports from various news outlets suggesting that she had been in talks with Vice President Sara Duterte to orchestrate a change in the speakership.
Arroyo characterized the allegations as baseless, emphasizing her long-standing political and personal ties to the Speaker’s family.
- Official Denied: “I categorically deny the allegations concerning the supposed ouster of Speaker Bojie Dy that surfaced yesterday. I reaffirm my confidence in his leadership,” Arroyo posted on her official Facebook account.
- Historical Ties: She noted that her support for Dy is an extension of a partnership that began “many years ago” with the Speaker’s late father.
This is not the first time Arroyo has had to address rumors of a House “coup.”
- Past Incidents: During the 19th Congress in May 2023, Arroyo was demoted from her Senior Deputy Speaker post after similar rumors suggested she was masterminding a move against then-Speaker Martin Romualdez.
- Loss of Title: In late 2023, she was eventually stripped of her Deputy Speaker role after failing to sign a manifesto upholding the dignity of the House during verbal attacks from former President Rodrigo Duterte.
- Position for the 20th Congress: At the start of the current Congress, Arroyo’s office reiterated that she is not interested in the speakership and had signed a manifesto of support for the incumbent leadership.
The denial comes at a time of heightened political activity in the House, as committees deliberate on measures to address the national energy crisis. Analysts suggest that the rumors may have been fueled by recent high-profile meetings between political heavyweights, but Arroyo’s categorical statement aims to stabilize the lower chamber’s leadership during a critical legislative period.
“Our mutual support… remains unbroken,” Arroyo added, signaling a unified front as the House continues its work on the 2026 budget and emergency economic reforms.