SPEAKERSHIP SUPPORT. Former President and returning Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Wednesday personally conveys to House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez her support for him to become Speaker in the incoming 19th Congress. Also with them was Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia Pineda. (Photo courtesy of Lakas-CMD) MANILA - Former President and returning Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Wednesday personally conveyed to House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez her support for him to become Speaker in the incoming 19th Congress. Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) said Arroyo and Romualdez met in a restaurant in San Juan City to discuss the challenges that Congress and the nation would face in the years ahead. Romualdez said he is counting on the former president for advice in shepherding the House of Representatives, as he thanked her for "words of support and encouragement." "Thank you ma'am. Coming from our President Emeritus in Lakas-CMD, it means a lot to me," Romualdez, who is also Lakas-CMD president, said. Arroyo's expression of support followed a similar pronouncement from incumbent Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. "I believe that his election as Speaker of the 19th Congress will ensure that the legislative agenda of the incoming administration will be pursued and completed. Majority Leader Romualdez has my support and friendship," Velasco said during a meeting in Makati City. Romualdez has received endorsements from major political groups in the larger chamber of Congress, including President Rodrigo Duterte's PDP-Laban, presumptive Vice President Sara Duterte's Hugpong ng Pagbabago, Nacionalista Party, and the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. His endorsers now comprise an overwhelming majority in the incoming House. Arroyo was quoted in media reports as saying, "I will be returning to the House on June 30, 2022. I would therefore like to advise the members of the Lakas-CMD that I am throwing my support for Majority Leader Martin Romualdez to be elected as House Speaker in the next Congress. I urge all members of our party to do the same." Arroyo also served as Speaker in the previous 17th Congress. (PNA) }