New york: Malaca±ang on Sunday (New York time) said Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice's removal as senior deputy minority leader of the House of Representatives was likely due to a lack of support from his own group rather than pressure from the administration.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that no one was to blame for Erice's ouster but himself, citing his critical stance toward the government. Castro remarked, "Katulad na sinabi natin, itong si Congressman Erice wala siyang ibang sinisi, lahat sinisi niya maliban sa kanyang sarili. Grupo po niya 'to, ang umayaw sa kanya (As we said, Congressman Erice blames everyone except himself. This was his own group that abandoned him)."

Castro further elaborated that the removal could be attributed to Erice's beliefs or principles, which led his group to withdraw support and replace him in the position he had long aspired to. She pointed out that the minority bloc consists of several lawmakers critical of the President, including Leila de Lima and Chel Diokno.

Castro emphasized that there was no directive from the President or other government officials to remove Erice from his post. "Ito po ba ay madidiktahan mismo? Hindi po ito madidiktahan ng Pangulo, hindi po ito madidiktahan ni Congressman Marcos. So, tanggapin na naman po niya na siya po ay inayawan (Was this dictated by anyone? No, it was not dictated by the President or by Congressman Marcos. So, if he was removed from his post, it is entirely his own responsibility)," Castro explained.

She noted that the situation reflects internal group dynamics within the minority bloc rather than any interference from the Palace. The decision to replace Erice stemmed from differences in beliefs or objectives among the lawmakers.

Erice has accused the presidential son, House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, of seeking his removal due to his criticism of the President's policies.