Blast from the past: is Gloria Arroyo setting herself up to be Duterte’s successor?

Analysis: from seemingly nowhere, former Philippine leader has leapt back into the limelight, sparking speculation she could have her eyes on the country’s top job – again

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Former Philippine president and Congresswoman Gloria Arroyo gestures after she was elected speaker of the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines on July 23, 2018. Photo: Reuters

Published: 7:45pm, 24 Jul 2018Updated: 10:45pm, 24 Jul 2018

Former Philippine leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo stole more than the limelight from President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, after delaying his state-of-the-nation address by more than one hour. The diminutive 71-year-old made Duterte cool his heels along with hundreds of politicians and business leaders while she was installed as the new speaker of the House of Representatives.

Her bold action will make “the next 18 months very interesting” as she gives herself a political makeover, Earl Parreno of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms predicted.

He sees her positioning herself as a potential successor to Duterte. Arroyo could be a strong political contender, running against Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, and former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jnr, he said.

Duterte delivering his state-of-the-nation address, while Senate President Vicente Sotto (left) and House Speaker – at the time – Pantaleon Alvarez listen on July 23, 2018. Photo: AFP

Duterte’s daughter was part of the plot to make Arroyo speaker, confirmed Congressman Fredenil Castro. The political squabble made Duterte furious, so much so that he threatened to walk out of congress minutes before his address. Senate President Vicente Sotto witnessed the drama and quoted Duterte as saying, “I will just walk out if [the two] don’t settle this.”

Parreno sees Beijing preferring Arroyo as she has proven herself to be a good friend of China.