By Brian Campued
Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez formally stepped down as Speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, with 253 solons voting for Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III to replace the beleaguered former speaker.
In his speech at the House plenary, Romualdez said his resignation from the post he held for three years will allow accountability and transparency amid the controversies hounding government flood control projects, in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call.
“Ang ating mga kababayan ay naghahangad ng linaw, at higit sa lahat, ng tiwala. Tungkulin nating ito’y maibalik,” Romualdez stressed, adding that he fully supports the investigation being conducted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
“Walang pipigil. Walang makikialam. Let the truth emerge, and let justice be done,” he said.
Meanwhile, upon assuming leadership of the lower chamber, Dy vowed to implement reforms in the House as he acknowledged the growing frustration of Filipinos over corruption in the government.
“Under my leadership, this House will change. I will not defend the guilty. I will not shield the corrupt,” the new House Speaker declared in his speech. “Gaya ng paninindigan ng ating Pangulo—no rank, no ally, no office will be spared from accountability.”
Dy also echoed Romualdez’s pledge to fully cooperate with the ICI, assuring that he will not allow any member of the House to use the Congress for their political self-interests.
“Kung meron man pong dapat managot sa mga umuugong na paratang na ito, titiyakin natin na magiging patas ang mga pagdinig na ito,” he noted, referring to some lawmakers being linked to alleged anomalous flood control projects.
“Kung meron mang mga pangalang nabanggit sa mga pagdinig, may mga tamang forum para sila ay makapagpaliwanag. Tayo ay magiging transparent at accountable sa ating mga gawain,” he added.
The new Speaker likewise stressed that budget reforms would be pursued under his leadership to ensure that the 2026 national budget must be aligned with the needs of the people.
“Sisiguraduhin din natin na ang bawat sentimo na paglalaanan ng badyet sa bawat departamento ay tutugma sa pangangailangan ng mamamayang Pilipino. Pagtulungan nating makapagpasa ng isang maayos at malinis na badyet na mailalaan sa tamang mga programa para sa taumbayan,” he underscored.
Dy has been in public service for over four decades, holding several posts in Isabela, including as mayor of Cauayan City in 1992, 3rd District representative in 2001, and provincial governor in 2010.
Palace, Senate look forward to working with new Speaker
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), in a statement, said that Malacañang welcomes the leadership change in the House of Representatives—reiterating the Marcos Jr. administration’s commitment to engage with lawmakers through “constructive collaboration” amid public clamor.
It also expressed gratitude to Romualdez for helping advancing the President’s legislative agenda in line with the “Bagong Pilipinas” vision.
“We respect the independence of the chamber and acknowledge the contributions of former Speaker Martin Romualdez. We now look forward to working with Speaker Faustino Dy III to advance measures that strengthen the economy, ensure basic services, and protect our democracy,” the Palace said.
“The President recognizes the vital role of the House of Representatives, especially at a time when the public demands visible results and Congress is called upon to take active steps that address people’s concerns and deliver real improvements in daily life,” it added.
Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he expects an “excellent” relationship between both chambers of the 20th Congress, especially amid the ongoing deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget.
“He’s a very good choice for the congressmen. He has a very good record… He’s capable and will be good for the House,” Sotto said in an ambush interview. (with reports from Mela Lesmoras and Daniel Manalastas / PTV News)
-jpv
