‘Alvarez still enjoys Rody’s trust’

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez still enjoys the trust and confidence of President Duterte, despite reports that he is facing a challenge from former president and current Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as well as his recent rift with presidential daughter and Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said those aspiring for the speakership can forget about their aspirations for now.

“Any such talk is wishful thinking for whoever wants to replace the Speaker,” he said, adding that Alvarez “continues to have the full trust and confidence of the President.”

“And I think in the House, the allies will act as one on their choice for Speaker,” Roque said over CNN Philippines.

In a regular press briefing at Malacañang yesterday, Roque said the Speaker remains “our most loyal and trusted ally in the House of Representatives.”

Roque added that there is no alternative congressman yet who can replace Alvarez, the President’s partymate at PDP-Laban.

“I don’t think there is any viable alternative to Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez,” he said.

“Although I do hear, you know, here and there, that there are some congressmen who in the past were quiet are now speaking against the Speaker. But all this will come to naught because, ultimately, the President will reiterate his support for Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez,” Roque said.