Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez resigned Wednesday as Speaker of the House, citing the need to restore public trust amid allegations tied to flood control projects personally flagged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“In his recent State of the Nation Address, our president reminded us that accountability must prevail and that no one is above scrutiny. I fully and unequivocally embrace that call. The issues surrounding certain infrastructure projects have raised questions that weigh not only upon me but upon this institution we all serve,” Romualdez told fellow House members in open session.
Saying his alleged involvement in the controversy has eroded public trust in Congress, Romualdez declared: “The longer I stay, the heavier that burden grows on me, on this House, and on the President, I’ve always sought to support. And so after deep reflection and prayer, I have made a decision. Today, with a full heart and a clear conscience, I tender my resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives.”
During the same session, lawmakers overwhelmingly elected Isabela Rep. and Deputy Speaker Fautino “Bojie” Dy III as the new Speaker—the only nominee. Out of the 317 House members, a total 253 lawmakers backed Dy’s election. The vote was largely procedural: party leaders had already settled on Dy and agreed to retain major committee chairmanships, so as not to upset the legislative process, especially with deliberations on the 2026 budget underway.
The shift in House leadership comes just days after a similar shake‑up in the Senate, where Senator Vicente Sotto replaced Senator Francis Escudero as Senate President—also amid allegations tied to the flood control project controversy.
Romualdez said his stepping down is meant to give free rein to the newly formed Independent Commission on Infrastructure, established by President Marcos, so it can conduct its inquiries without interference. “Walang pipigil, walang makikialam. Let the truth emerge and justice be done,” he declared.
He urged Filipinos not to lose faith in democratic institutions. “I leave this chamber, as I first entered it, a humble servant, ready to serve wherever duty may call… I step down not in surrender, but in service. For sometimes, the greatest act of leadership is the grace to let it go so that this institution may endure stronger than ever before.”
As the newly-minted House Speaker, Dy sought public understanding as he institutes reforms. “Under my leadership this House will change. I will not defend the guilty and I will not shield the corrupt,” said Dy. “No rank, no ally, no office will be spared from accountability….Our duty is not to protect each other. Our duty is to protect the Filipino people.”
The drama unfolded amid intense political pressure. Critics argued that Romualdez’s continued speakership threatened the impartiality of investigations. His resignation, coming just weeks after the President himself spotlighted concerns in flood control programs, signals a rare moment of accountability in Philippine politics—where optics and ethics may finally align.
