House Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. (Speaker's office)

Erstwhile ruling party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) has reiterated its support for President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and his close ally, House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Thus, said newly-minted House Senior Deputy Speaker Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr., on Thursday afternoon, May 18.

“Our party reiterates its unwavering support for both the President and Speaker Romualdez. Together, they have accomplished much for our country and our people,” said Gonzales Jr., who is PDP-Laban national treasurer.

PDP-Laban is chaired by former president Rodrigo Duterte, father of Vice President Sara Duterte, who is the second highest official of the land next to Marcos.

Gonzales' reassurance of support to top leaders Marcos and Romualdez came a day after he replaced Pampanga 2nd district Representative and former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the position of senior deputy speaker.

Arroyo, chairperson emeritus of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD)--the biggest political party in the House--took over the deputy speaker's post vacated by Gonzales. Both changes were announced just before plenary session was adjourned.

Gonzales didn't mention Arroyo in his statement Thursday.

“Our Speaker is a valuable ally and helping hand to the President in terms of shepherding the administration’s legislative priorities in Congress,” he said.

He said PDP-Laban is thankful to the House and Speaker Romualdez for choosing and electing him as senior deputy speaker.

“As in the past, as a loyal member of the majority, I will always support the Speaker and will continue to work for the benefit of my constituents in the 3rd district of Pampanga and of my kabalen in the province,” Gonzales added.

Arroyo and Romualdez are party-mates, the latter being the Lakas-CMD president..