Thirty-nine members of the Northern Luzon Alliance in the House of Representatives, led by Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos issued on Thursday night, Nov 20 a manifesto of support for House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III.

"At a time when unity is tested, leadership is challenged, and duty calls each one of us to stand firm, the members of the Northern Luzon Alliance 20th Congress, issues this manifesto of unequivocal support for House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III," read the five-page document.

This followed rumors that Dy, Isabela's 6th district congressman, was on his way out as House Speaker barely two months after assuming the position.

Earlier Thursday, Malacañang also said that it had no hand in any change of leadership in the 300-plus strong legislative chamber.

Needless to say, the signature of Rep. Marcos--the President’s own son--put weight on the manifesto.

Also signing it were Deputy Speakers Ilocos Sur 2nd district Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan and La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V.

"We speak not by reason of political alignment or expediency, but out of conviction, experience and an unwavering belief in the Speaker’s leadership, integrity and steady hand in guiding the House of Representatives," the manifesto read.

The signatories, composed of district and party-list solons who trace their lineages to the northern provinces, said they "stand as one in affirming our full, firm and unwavering confidence in the capable and impartial leadership of Speaker Bojie Dy III as he steers the House toward meaningful legislation, political stability and national progress".

"Speaker Bojie Dy has consistently demonstrated a steady and unifying leadership in times of turbulence; respect for local autonomy and sensitivity to the needs of North Luzon communities; a clear legislative vision aligned with economic recovery, agricultural support, infrastructure expansion, peace and order, youth empowerment and regional development; and integrity and dignity in upholding the independence and honor of the House of Representatives," they said.

It was last Sept. 17 when Dy--President Marcos' party-mate over at the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP)--replaced the Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez as House head honcho.

Reports from the grapevine said Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno--chairman of the National Unity Party (NUP)--poised to replace Dy. However, Puno said Thursday that this wasn't true. He said he continues to support Dy.

The alliance also called on Filipinos to "move forward from the division, paralysis and unnecessary distractions of a poisoned political atmosphere".

"Hence, we call upon all Members of the House of Representatives and all sectors to join us in strengthening the House of Representatives as an institution and in safeguarding our cherished democratic processes by affirming the Speakership of Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III, and advancing legislation that uplifts every Filipino."

Referring to Dy, the alliance said: "We resolutely stand behind him with the full weight of our mandate, our districts and the trust of our people as we continue working with him to ensure that the House remains strong, stable and focused on the nation’s urgent priorities."

"Our stand is not rooted in personalities but in principle, not in factional interest but in the collective good, and not in partisan noise or pressure but in clarity of purpose," the group said.