Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez resigned as Speaker amid the controversy over budget insertion and the investigation into anomalous flood control projects.
“With humility and gratitude, I address you today. Together with my colleagues, we worked hard to pass reforms that put food on the table, created jobs, expanded education, and strengthened healthcare. These are milestones that will stand beyond my time as Speaker, and I will always be proud of what we have achieved as your people’s House,” Romualdez said during the plenary session this Wednesday.
“But leadership also demands difficult choices. Today, I have decided to step down as Speaker of the House of Representatives,” he added.
Romualdez insisted that he is innocent and has nothing to hide.
“Let me be clear: I am not guilty and I have nothing to hide. My only goal is to serve and improve the lives of every Filipino family. Yet I also know that when questions arise, it is the people’s trust that must always come first,” the lawmaker said.
“As painful as it is for me, I am stepping aside so that the independent investigation may proceed freely—without pressure, without influence, and without fear. This is not surrender, but conscience. I did this because I believe that true service means valuing the people’s trust more than any position,” Romualdez added.
He said that if his resignation helps restore trust in the institution, he will do it as an example of accountability.
Isabela Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III was elected as the new Speaker, promising to fix the image of the Chamber following the controversies over budget insertion and flood control.
“I will not defend the guilty and I will not shield the corrupt,” Dy emphasized.
