CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — It came on the 11th hour before the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) but only to be stalled due to improper parliamentary procedures until a plenary session later finally affirmed her election.
Now, Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo at 71 years old is Speaker of the House of Representatives, the first woman and the first Kapampangan to hold the position.
Angeles City Mayor and League of Cities of the Philippines president Edgardo Pamintuan was the first Kapampangan official to give a reaction.
“It’s the decision of the majority of members of Congress who should be followed. As speaker she’s capable and I’m looking forward to a lone district of Angeles City,” Pamintuan said.
Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang was surprised but delighted that a “cabalen” is now Speaker.
The mayor congratulated Arroyo whom he said is an economist that could pursue the economic reforms of President Duterte that will benefit the people.
Lubao Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, president of the Pampanga Mayors’ League, also expressed her elation to Arroyo’s election as Speaker.
Cayabyab also congratulated Arroyo. Gov. Lilia G. Pineda said she is proud and honored of Arroyo’s election as the first woman and Kapampangan Speaker, saying “Makasaup yang maragul keng keketamung probinsya (She will be a big help in our province).”
“ Apakinabangan neng pasibayu ning Republika ning Pilipinas ing talentu at galing na (Her talent and ability will benefi t the Republic of the Philippines once more),” she added as she also expressed her congratulations to Arroyo.
