8 LEAVING... FROM 2

would take on the senior deputy speaker role.

Duterte’s camp did not issue a statement when asked if the move was related to Rep. Macapagal-Arroyo’s demotion in the House.

The vice president also serves as co-vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

“Nothing is more important to me than being able to meaningfully serve our fellow Filipinos and the Philippines — with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr leading the way. Trust that my word, my commitment will be immutable. I am here today because of the trust of the Filipino people in me to lead and serve them and the country, and this cannot be poisoned by political toxicity or undermined by execrable political powerplay,” she said.

She called on all leaders to focus on the work that must be done and urged them to leave a legacy of a strong and stable homeland.