MANILA, Philippines, Nov 7, (Agencies): During the recent plenary session on Nov 7, Pampanga 2nd district congresswoman and former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was ousted from her position as deputy speaker in the House of Representatives. Her replacement is Isabela 1st District Rep Tonypet Albano.

This leadership change was formally approved during the session, which was presided over by Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st District Rep Roberto Puno. The removal of another deputy speaker, Davao City 3rd district Rep Isidro Ungab, was also sanctioned during the same session. He was succeeded by Lanao del Sur 2nd district Rep Yasser Alonto Balindong.

The motions to remove both Arroyo and Ungab were made by Deputy Majority Leader Cagayan 1st District Rep. Ramon Nolasco Jr, who also announced their replacements. Puno proceeded to carry out the motions after receiving no objections from the floor.

The decision to remove Arroyo and Ungab came shortly after they seemingly declined to co-author House Resolution No.1414. Of the eight deputy speakers and the senior deputy speaker in the House, they were the only two who did not support the measure. The resolution, titled "Upholding the integrity and honor of the House of Representatives and expressing appreciation, solidarity, and support to the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez," was introduced in response to former president Rodrigo Duterte's recent criticisms of the House and Speaker Romualdez.

Notably, both Arroyo and Romualdez are affiliated with the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party, with Arroyo serving as the party's chairperson emeritus and Romualdez as the party president.