The House Speaker page on Wikipedia is updated a few minutes after the news of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo replacing Pantaleon Alvarez broke

MANILA, Philippines – The Wikipedia page of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines reflected Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the new House Speaker, a few minutes after the news broke.

Arroyo, former president and currently Pampanga 2nd district representative, replaced Pantaleon Alvarez as House Speaker, with reported backing from presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The page's edit history showed that it was updated at 4:10 pm by RepublicaNegrense, via mobile phone, roughly around 20 minutes after Arroyo appeared at the rostum at the plenary hall to take her oath.

Wikipedia allows anyone to make edits to a given page, though these are subject to vetting by community editors and reverted if the edits are without merit. Anonymous users are tagged by their IP addresses.

President Rodrigo Duterte was supposed to deliver his speech at 4 pm, but it has been delayed for over an hour already. (READ: 10 things to expect at Duterte’s SONA 2018) – Aika Rey/Rappler.com </s> PAMPANGA Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo officially became the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Monday after her colleagues convened in a session following the third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Rodrigo Duterte.

With 184 lawmakers voting for her installation, the former president became the first female House Speaker of the Philippines, ousting Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez.

Talk of Arroyo taking over the Speakership from Alvarez broke out just before the opening of the session at 10 a.m.

But the House adjourned the session without the expected change in leadership.

Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. was supposed to raise his objection to the adjournment of the session earlier when the audio of the livestream was turned off.

“The session was adjourned despite objections raised loudly on the floor, objecting the motion to adjourn. While the motion to adjourn is not debatable, there was an objection. In that case, the motion should be put to a vote,” Andaya earlier said.

Members of the House returned to the session hall by early afternoon, and signed a manifesto calling for Alvarez’s ouster as Speaker.

At past 3 p.m., Arroyo was then sworn in as House Speaker even as the microphone at the podium was notably turned off.

While Arroyo was at the podium, Alvarez was seen welcoming Duterte to the House.

Despite Arroyo being sworn in, it was Alvarez who took the Speaker’s seat during the Sona.

President Duterte had a talk with Alvarez and Arroyo after the House voted to oust Alvarez.

Afterwards, Alvarez emerged and took the Speaker’s seat.

Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa of Cebu City’s south district was among those who signed the manifesto to oust Alvarez.

“I signed the manifesto and voted for GMA to take over the House leadership from Speaker Alvarez. His pronouncements against the Cebu City Bus Rapid Transit project and his support to the opposition group in Cebu City are key points that influenced my vote for GMA as Speaker,” he said in a text message to Cebu Daily News.

For his part, Rep. Benhur Salimbangon said the National Unity Party (NUP) where he belongs supported Alvarez’s removal as House Speaker.

“The endorsement was signed by the party. It was a party’s decision,” he said, explaining why he also signed the manifesto.

Cebu Daily News also tried to contact other Cebuano members of the House but they did not answer the calls.

In 2010, before Arroyo’s term ended, several analysts have considered her career in national politics over, after her administration was consistently plagued by corruption issues. After eight years and several years of medical treatment, she made her comeback to head the 17th Congress.

In 1998, Arroyo was the running mate of presidential candidate Joe de Venecia, who lost to eventual President Joseph Estrada. Arroyo won, with one of the largest vote differentials in Philippine elections.

When Estrada stepped down from office in 2001, Arroyo was sworn into office during the so-called Edsa 2 rally. / with reports from Morexette Marie B. Erram and Jessa Mae O. Sotto </s> Two years after the dismissal of corruption charges against her, former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is back in a new role—speaker of the House of Representatives—where she can boost the political agenda of current President Rodrigo Duterte.

Ms. Arroyo, 71 years old, won election as speaker Monday, unseating her predecessor and creating chaos with a surprise last-minute bid. On Tuesday she issued a statement of support for Mr. Duterte as he doubles down on his bloody war on drugs, seeks to increase infrastructure... </s> Representative and former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo bangs the gavel after taking the oath as the new house speaker, at the House of Representatives in Quezon city, metropolitan Manila, Philippines Monday July 23, 2018. A leadership row erupted in the Philippine House of Representative, delaying President Rodrigo Duterte's delivery of his annual state of the nation address and passage of a crucial Muslim rebel autonomy deal. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A leadership row in the Philippine House of Representatives delayed President Rodrigo Duterte's delivery of his annual state of the nation address and passage of crucial Muslim autonomy legislation aimed at ending one of Asia's longest Islamic rebellions.

As Duterte arrived Monday afternoon on a helicopter in the heavily secured congressional complex, Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, backed by dozens of allied legislators, took the main seat in the center stage of the House's plenary hall in a sign that she was taking over the post of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Arroyo, a former president, tried to speak from the stage during the dramatic standoff that played out live on television, but her microphone was turned off. She tried to yell, apparently to explain what was happening, but later stepped down from the stage, waving at the crowd.

Alvarez, along with Senate President Vicente Sotto III, fetched Duterte and led the visibly confused leader to a holding room as the dispute over House leadership unfolded in the chamber, which was packed with foreign diplomats, legislators and other dignitaries. Alvarez and Arroyo are close Duterte supporters in the 292-member House, which is largely dominated by the president's allies.

"They chose to disrespect their own president and attend to their own ambitions in full view of the nation. For almost an hour, it seemed that nobody was in control," opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros said.

"This is the true state of the nation. It is petty infighting, backstabbing, and brinkmanship, all done at the people's expense," Hontiveros said.

Others called the squabble a "circus" that bared a deep crack in Duterte's ruling coalition. An arrangement was later reached allowing Alvarez to lead the joint session with Sotto to break the impasse, which delayed the president's speech for more than an hour.

Backed by nearly 200 legislators, Arroyo was sworn in late Monday as the new House speaker in an impressive political comeback. The 71-year-old ex-economics professor and classmate of former U.S. President Bill Clinton at Georgetown University was detained in a hospital in 2012 for nearly four years for alleged large-scale corruption but the Supreme Court dismissed the case and ordered her freed.

The leadership row earlier prevented the House from ratifying a Muslim autonomy bill that was part of a peace deal with the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Earlier Monday, the Senate unanimously ratified the bill, which would establish a new Bangsamoro autonomous region in the country's south, but House members adjourned early due to the infighting. The government had negotiated the pact for more than two decades with the largest Muslim insurgent group in the south.

Duterte had been expected to sign the autonomy bill into law and highlight it in his state of the nation speech. The peace deal, which he promised to sign within 48 hours, is a bright spot in his two-year presidency, which has come under heavy criticism over his human rights record, deadly anti-drug crackdown and vulgar language.

"I make the solemn commitment that this administration will never deny our Muslim brothers and sisters the basic legal tools to charter their own destiny within the constitutional framework of our country," Duterte said.

Thousands of flag-waving protesters rallied outside the House and burned his effigy. They condemned him for the drug killings and for failing to ease poverty and inflation.

There was no immediate reaction from the Muslim rebels over the latest delay in achieving the Malaysian-brokered peace deal, which seeks to replace an earlier poverty- and conflict-wracked autonomous region with a potentially larger, better-funded and more powerful region for minority Muslims in the south of the largely Roman Catholic nation.

The proposed deal is the latest significant attempt by the government to negotiate an end to nearly half a century of on-and-off Muslim fighting that has left more than 120,000 people dead and hampered development in the country's poorest regions.

The two largest Muslim rebel groups in the south have dropped their demands for a separate Muslim state in exchange for autonomy and have renounced terrorism. Western governments, however, have worried about the presence of small numbers of Islamic State group-linked militants from the Middle East and Southeast Asia seeking combat training and collaboration with Filipino insurgents.

Last year, heavily armed Filipino insurgents who have sworn allegiance to the Islamic State group, along with dozens of foreign fighters, laid siege to the southern Islamic city of Marawi. Troops backed by U.S. and Australian surveillance aircraft routed the militants after five months of airstrikes and ground assaults that left more than 1,200 people, mostly Islamic fighters, dead and the mosque-studded city in ruins. Aside from the Muslim autonomy pact, Duterte reaffirmed his resolve to fight illegal drugs and introduced a draft constitution that would shift the country to a federal system of governance. The moves, including opening the country's 1987 constitution to amendment, have been opposed by several groups and opposition politicians, who fear they are designed to prolong Duterte's rule and give him dictatorial powers. Duterte, who took office in 2016, has played down such fears, saying he was ready to step down as early as next year and cut short his six-year term if a new federal government is set in place. "I have no illusions of occupying this office one day longer than what the constitution under which I was elected permits or under whatever constitution there might be," Duterte said. </s> MANILA (Reuters) - Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

Philippine's Former President and Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo gestures after she was elected by congressmen as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives in Quezon city, Metro Manila, in Philippines July 23, 2018. REUTERS/Czar Danceld

The removal of speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to make way for political heavyweight Arroyo could be pivotal in Duterte’s moves to consolidate power and ensure legislative passage of his core policies and his major revision of the constitution.

The diminutive Arroyo, 71, who was in power from 2001-2010 and then detained for five years for graft, was sworn in as the country’s first woman house speaker late on Monday after receiving the support of 184 house members present, with 48 against and 12 abstentions.

Arroyo’s climb back to become the nation’s fourth most powerful elected official will further strengthen Duterte’s hand due to her political clout and good relations with some of his biggest critics, particularly among influential Catholic bishops.

Her return will be of little surprise, as many officials Duterte has appointed had served in her administration and the two share similar policy agendas, including their desire to have strong ties with historic rival China.

A former congresswoman and senator as well as president, she has weathered five impeachment efforts and military coups that failed.

She was accused of rigging elections and her government was plagued by allegations of graft involving Chinese firms, which she denies. The Supreme Court in 2016 dismissed plunder charges against her and ordered her release from hospital detention, throughout which she still held her seat in Congress.

Though former speaker Alvarez was effective in pushing Duterte’s agenda, he was known for being a divisive figure who had an acrimonious fallout with the president’s politically connected daughter, Sara Duterte.

Political commentator Earl Parreno said Arroyo had the experience and influence to shepherd through Duterte’s planned shift to a federal system, and might have her eye on the presidency for when his term ends.

“She is perfect for the job,” Parreno said.

“This signals a big political comeback. She may have an ambition to replace Duterte under a new constitution in 2022. The only question is, is she acceptable?” </s> MANILA (Reuters) - Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

The removal of speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to make way for political heavyweight Arroyo could be pivotal in Duterte’s moves to consolidate power and ensure legislative passage of his core policies and his major revision of the constitution.

The diminutive Arroyo, 71, who was in power from 2001-2010 and then detained for five years for graft, was sworn in as the country’s first woman house speaker late on Monday after receiving the support of 184 house members present, with 48 against and 12 abstentions.

Arroyo’s climb back to become the nation’s fourth most powerful elected official will further strengthen Duterte’s hand due to her political clout and good relations with some of his biggest critics, particularly among influential Catholic bishops.

Her return will be of little surprise, as many officials Duterte has appointed had served in her administration and the two share similar policy agendas, including their desire to have strong ties with historic rival China.

A former congresswoman and senator as well as president, she has weathered five impeachment efforts and military coups that failed.

She was accused of rigging elections and her government was plagued by allegations of graft involving Chinese firms, which she denies. The Supreme Court in 2016 dismissed plunder charges against her and ordered her release from hospital detention, throughout which she still held her seat in Congress.

Though former speaker Alvarez was effective in pushing Duterte’s agenda, he was known for being a divisive figure who had an acrimonious fallout with the president’s politically connected daughter, Sara Duterte.

Political commentator Earl Parreno said Arroyo had the experience and influence to shepherd through Duterte’s planned shift to a federal system, and might have her eye on the presidency for when his term ends.

“She is perfect for the job,” Parreno said.

“This signals a big political comeback. She may have an ambition to replace Duterte under a new constitution in 2022. The only question is, is she acceptable?” </s> The following content is sourced from external partners. We cannot guarantee that it is suitable for the visually or hearing impaired.

This content was published on July 23, 2018 3:01 PM

Philippine's Former President and Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo waves to colleagues after she was elected by congressmen as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives in Quezon city, Metro Manila, in Philippines July 23, 2018. REUTERS/Czar Dancel

MANILA (Reuters) - Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

The removal of speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to make way for political heavyweight Arroyo could be pivotal in Duterte's moves to consolidate power and ensure legislative passage of his core policies and his major revision of the constitution.

The diminutive Arroyo, 71, who was in power from 2001-2010 and then detained for five years for graft, was sworn in as the country's first woman house speaker late on Monday after receiving the support of 184 house members present, with 48 against and 12 abstentions.

Arroyo's climb back to become the nation's fourth most powerful elected official will further strengthen Duterte's hand due to her political clout and good relations with some of his biggest critics, particularly among influential Catholic bishops.

Her return will be of little surprise, as many officials Duterte has appointed had served in her administration and the two share similar policy agendas, including their desire to have strong ties with historic rival China.

A former congresswoman and senator as well as president, she has weathered five impeachment efforts and military coups that failed.

She was accused of rigging elections and her government was plagued by allegations of graft involving Chinese firms, which she denies. The Supreme Court in 2016 dismissed plunder charges against her and ordered her release from hospital detention, throughout which she still held her seat in Congress.

Though former speaker Alvarez was effective in pushing Duterte's agenda, he was known for being a divisive figure who had an acrimonious fallout with the president's politically connected daughter, Sara Duterte.

Political commentator Earl Parreno said Arroyo had the experience and influence to shepherd through Duterte's planned shift to a federal system, and might have her eye on the presidency for when his term ends.

"She is perfect for the job," Parreno said.

"This signals a big political comeback. She may have an ambition to replace Duterte under a new constitution in 2022. The only question is, is she acceptable?" </s> MANILA, July 23 (Reuters) - Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

The removal of speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to make way for political heavyweight Arroyo could be pivotal in Duterte's moves to consolidate power and ensure legislative passage of his core policies and his major revision of the constitution.

The diminutive Arroyo, 71, who was in power from 2001-2010 and then detained for five years for graft, was sworn in as the country's first woman house speaker late on Monday after receiving the support of 184 house members present, with 48 against and 12 abstentions.

Arroyo's climb back to become the nation's fourth most powerful elected official will further strengthen Duterte's hand due to her political clout and good relations with some of his biggest critics, particularly among influential Catholic bishops.

Her return will be of little surprise, as many officials Duterte has appointed had served in her administration and the two share similar policy agendas, including their desire to have strong ties with historic rival China.

A former congresswoman and senator as well as president, she has weathered five impeachment efforts and military coups that failed.

She was accused of rigging elections and her government was plagued by allegations of graft involving Chinese firms, which she denies. The Supreme Court in 2016 dismissed plunder charges against her and ordered her release from hospital detention, throughout which she still held her seat in Congress.

Though former speaker Alvarez was effective in pushing Duterte's agenda, he was known for being a divisive figure who had an acrimonious fallout with the president's politically connected daughter, Sara Duterte.

Political commentator Earl Parreno said Arroyo had the experience and influence to shepherd through Duterte's planned shift to a federal system, and might have her eye on the presidency for when his term ends.

"She is perfect for the job," Parreno said.

"This signals a big political comeback. She may have an ambition to replace Duterte under a new constitution in 2022. The only question is, is she acceptable?" (Editing by Martin Petty and Alison Williams) </s> related media assets (image or videos) available. Click to see the gallery.

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Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

MANILA: Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected speaker of the lower house of Congress on Monday, following a dramatic move by lawmakers to replace a loyalist of President Rodrigo Duterte with one of his most influential allies.

The removal of speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to make way for political heavyweight Arroyo could be pivotal in Duterte's moves to consolidate power and ensure legislative passage of his core policies and his major revision of the constitution.

The diminutive Arroyo, 71, who was in power from 2001-2010 and then detained for five years for graft, was sworn in as the country's first woman house speaker late on Monday after receiving the support of 184 house members present, with 48 against and 12 abstentions.

Arroyo's climb back to become the nation's fourth most powerful elected official will further strengthen Duterte's hand due to her political clout and good relations with some of his biggest critics, particularly among influential Catholic bishops.

Her return will be of little surprise, as many officials Duterte has appointed had served in her administration and the two share similar policy agendas, including their desire to have strong ties with historic rival China.

A former congresswoman and senator as well as president, she has weathered five impeachment efforts and military coups that failed.

She was accused of rigging elections and her government was plagued by allegations of graft involving Chinese firms, which she denies. The Supreme Court in 2016 dismissed plunder charges against her and ordered her release from hospital detention, throughout which she still held her seat in Congress.

Though former speaker Alvarez was effective in pushing Duterte's agenda, he was known for being a divisive figure who had an acrimonious fallout with the president's politically connected daughter, Sara Duterte.

Political commentator Earl Parreno said Arroyo had the experience and influence to shepherd through Duterte's planned shift to a federal system, and might have her eye on the presidency for when his term ends.

"She is perfect for the job," Parreno said.

"This signals a big political comeback. She may have an ambition to replace Duterte under a new constitution in 2022. The only question is, is she acceptable?"
Majority of the House of Representatives of the Philippines elects Former President and current House Representative, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as House Speaker of the lower congress replacing Pantaleon Alvarez.