PHILIPPINE NEWS SERVICE — SPEAKER Prospero Nograles remains unfazed by the reported plot to unseat him, saying he is confident of the support of majority of the congressmen.
Nograles said the plan to oust him will not succeed since the plotters don’t have the numbers.
“It’s just a numbers game to me. I can’t seem to see it in my telescopic radar. Not even in my microscope,” he said.
Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo, a member of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino, confirmed that some lawmakers have been meeting to discuss the ouster move.
In a radio report, Arroyo, brother-in-law of President Macapagal-Arroyo, said Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno is behind the move to unseat Nograles.
“Si (Secretary) Puno ang may pakana niyan,” Arroyo said in a text message.
Reports said a group of congressmen from Lakas and Kampi is plotting Nograles’ ouster due to his alleged failure to implement reforms. Reports said that some solons have questioned the expensive renovation of the Batasan Complex amounting to P200 million.
But in the weekly Ayes and Nays Forum, three solons closely identified with the administration denied any knowledge of the ouster plot.
Rep. Emil Ong, also of Kampi, said the Speaker is a good leader.
“I have no knowledge about the ouster move. As far as I’m concerned, Nograles is a good leader, but not perfect. It’s still very early to change leadership, I think we should give him a chance,” Ong said.
Ong however admitted having heard complaints against Nograles over issues such as the discrimination against neophyte solons and the delay in the release of the “pork barrel” of the opposition.
Romblon Rep. Eleandro Madrona and Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante also denied knowledge of the plot.
“I have no personal knowledge about it. I don’t think it originated from Lakas or the Kampi as they could not undertake the ouster move since they still lack numbers,” said Madrona.
“I’m a loyal Lakas, but I’m not a party to any change of leadership. Just like in the case of JDV, I did not join any move,” Abante said.