Screengrab from House of Representatives of the Philippines
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. declared on Monday, November 6, his resignation from the ruling party PDP-Laban.
This decision comes shortly after discussions in the House of Representatives regarding former President Rodrigo Duterte's recent criticism of the lower house of Congress.
Gonzales, a prominent member of the party, revealed his departure during a press conference held at the House of Representatives.
He cited personal reasons for his resignation but did not provide further details.
The announcement has raised speculation about the internal dynamics within PDP-Laban, especially in the wake of Duterte's critical remarks about the performance of Congress.
Gonzales, a key figure within the party, was seen as a staunch supporter of the former president's policies.