Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice accuses House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos of influencing his removal as Senior Deputy Minority Leader, highlighting tensions within the Philippine House of Representatives.
Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice claimed on March 5, 2026, that House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos from Ilocos Norte played a key role in his removal from the position of Senior Deputy Minority Leader. According to Erice, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan informed him about his replacement, citing pressure from higher-ups, which Erice attributes to Marcos’ influence. Erice explained that Libanan often receives calls from Marcos, particularly due to Erice’s consistent critiques of government policies. Erice emphasized that his criticisms were policy-focused and not personal attacks. He questioned the independence of the House minority, suggesting the presence of conflicts of interest when the President’s son serves as Majority Leader, implying an undue influence over legislative integrity. Erice recounted an incident where, shortly after criticizing the national budget in Congress, he was summoned to Majority Leader Marcos’ office, where he was admonished for allegedly attacking the President. Meanwhile, Libanan denies succumbing to pressure, asserting the replacement was due to Erice’s difficulties performing his duties. Deputy Speaker Janette Garin also disputed Erice’s claims, calling for decorum and denying majority interference. Erice criticized what he called a known pattern where the majority influences minority leadership choices. GMA News Online reached out to Sandro Marcos for comment, but no response was immediately available.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/978927/erice-sees-sandro-marcos-hand-in-removing-him-from-house-leadership-post/story/