President Duterte had no hand in the ouster of lawmakers who voted against the death penalty bill, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said on Thursday, a day after former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a deputy speaker, and 11 committee chairs were removed from their posts. Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the revamp was “left to the discretion of the House leadership.”ADVERTISEMENTHe said Malacañang appreciated and respected Arroyo’s opposition to the death penalty while continuing to support the Duterte administration. 12 seats declared vacantAlvarez said the House leadership decided “to put an end to speculations” on what would be done to opponents of death penalty. LP Rep. Miro Quimbo of Marikina, a deputy speaker who voted “yes,” was uncertain about recommending other LP members to replace their colleagues. Also ousted were Batanes Rep. Henedina Abad, who headed the government reorganization committee, and Diwa Rep. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar of the women and gender equality committee.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 16, 2017 21:22 UTC