• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Representative Abelardo “Albee” Benitez brushed aside reports of an alleged change in leadership in the House of Representatives.
Benitez said, “They don’t have the numbers,” an observation shared by his son, Negros Occidental Third District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez.
“At times like this, I don’t know where such a story came from,” Benitez added.
Former Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo earlier claimed that Antipolo Representative Ronnie Puno is being considered by some lawmakers as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In an interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s At The Forefront, Panelo said lawmakers were gathering numbers for a House leadership change and were just waiting for the right time to replace Speaker Bojie Dy.
Puno also serves as chairman of the National Unity Party.
Benitez maintained that there is no threat to Dy’s leadership and that there is no need for the Visayan Bloc to issue a manifesto supporting him.
The Bacolod congressman, who is the convenor of the Visayan Bloc composed of about 50 solons from the Visayas, said most of his colleagues are now focused on the situation confronting the country.
Earlier, Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo denied any role in alleged speakership maneuvers and categorically rejected claims tying her to an ouster plot.
Dy, Isabela Sixth District Representative, assumed the House speakership in September 2025 following the resignation of former Speaker Martin Romualdez, who was dragged into the flood control corruption issue.
Arroyo has reaffirmed her support for the current House leadership under Speaker Dy. | GB
