Noynoy: Arroyo may not have the numbers to be Speaker

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo might not have the numbers to propel herself to the House speakership if she wins as the congressional representative of Pampanga's second district, Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino said on Friday. In an ambush interview with reporters in Valenzuela City, the Liberal Party standard bearer said he doesn't think Mrs. Arroyo's current congressional allies would remain with her after her presidential term ends on June 30. "I doubt that (she will become Speaker). As you know, after EDSA there has been no Speaker that has been not allied with the [new] administration," he said. "I doubt, if she is no longer in Malacañang, that all the people there will still be her allies." Aquino, who is leading in presidential preference surveys, said the LP is continuously recruiting political allies and expects them to declare their shift of support. Aquino, a critic of Mrs. Arroyo, said however that it was possible for her to become House speaker if his closest rival, Nacionalista Party standard bearer Manuel Villar Jr., wins the presidential race. "That might be possible," Aquino said, although he quickly added that he could not speak on Villar's behalf. Aquino's camp alleges that Villar is the "secret candidate" of Mrs. Arroyo, as Villar is not often heard criticizing the alleged corruption in her administration. Villar's camp has denied the allegations. Malacanang had earlier dismissed speculation that Mrs. Arroyo might become House speaker if she wins in her congressional bid. (See: Palace: ‘Speaker Arroyo’ still pure speculation)—Johanna Camille Sisante/JV, GMANews.TV