Outgoing House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
MANILA -- Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez on Wednesday heaped praises on Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, calling her an "economic and political genius."
In a statement, Romualdez said Arroyo’s actions "inspire others to learn, contribute and dream more for the progress of the nation” after the latter’s 27-year impressive career in public service.
“She is a very smart and political genius whose competence, a workaholic attitude, track record, integrity, and strong decision-making skills helped her earned the respect even of the world leaders,” he said.
Romualdez, who was named by President Duterte as the House Majority Leader of the 18th Congress, added that Arroyo has been a provider of hope not only for the success of public officials but also to ordinary people for them to achieve their goals.
“Her pro-poor projects like the affordable housing units and conditional cash transfer program for the poorest of the poor benefited many Filipinos. It was an honor and privilege to work with the former president and Speaker Arroyo. I wish her the best of luck,” Romualdez said.
His sentiments were echoed by his wife, Tingog Sinirangan party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, saying “Speaker Arroyo is a no-nonsense action lady and very much determined to show concrete and genuine reforms for the benefit of the Filipinos.”
The two lawmakers made the remarks a day after attending Arroyo’s farewell dinner prepared by the members of the recently-concluded 17th Congress in her honor that was held at the Manila Hotel Tuesday night.
President Rodrigo Duterte, who was also in attendance, called Arroyo a “true living icon in Philippine politics.”
Arroyo thanks PRRD
In her farewell speech Tuesday, Arroyo thanked Duterte for giving her the opportunity to serve as his Speaker.
“President Duterte, thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to serve as Speaker of the House,” Arroyo said.
The former president also recalled that then Davao City Mayor Duterte helped her senatorial and vice-presidential candidacies.
“I want to express to you my heartfelt thanks for the hard work and the support you have given me,” Arroyo said.
She, however, said her only regret was that President Duterte found her very hard to deal with, wishing she had better emotional quotient (EQ).
“My only regret in our relationship is that you have found me very difficult to deal with. It was never my intention to be difficult with you,” the retiring Pampanga lawmaker said.
“How could it have been with all the gratitude for all that you have done for me. I only wish that I had better EQ so that you would not have found me so difficult to deal with,” Arroyo said. (PNA)
