ROMUALDEZ RESIGNS, DY IS NEW HOUSE SPEAKER

Leyte 1st district Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Wednesday resigned as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Romualdez stepped down from the post to give way to an independent investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

He was replaced by Isabela 6^th district Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III.

“Today, with a full heart and a clear conscience, I tender my resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives. I do this so that the Independent Commission on Infrastructure may pursue its mandate freely and fully — without doubt, without interference, and without undue influence,” Romualdez said in his speech before the plenary.

Romualdez, along with former House Appropriations chair now Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co and other lawmakers and government officials, were implicated in the alleged corruption in flood control projects.

“The longer I stay, the heavier that burden grows — on me, on this House, and on the President I have always sought to support. And so, after deep reflection and prayer, I have made the decision,” Romualdez said.

“Let the truth emerge, and let justice be done,” he added.

The Leyte solon strongly denied any involvement in  flood control budget mess.

“I step down not in surrender, but in service. For sometimes, the greatest act of leadership is the grace to let it go,”  he said.

Dy, who garnered  253 votes , was elected as Romualdez’s successor. Twenty-eight lawmakers abstained from the vote, four did not vote, and none registered a negative vote.

According to the Isabela solon, under his leadership, the “House will change.”

“I will not defend the guilty. I will not shield the corrupt,” he said.

“Mayroon po kaming pagkukulang. Kami po ay nagpapakumbaba sa inyo. Nakikiusap po kami na sana ay bigyan n’yo kami ng pagkakataong ituwid ang mga maling kalakaran at linisin ang aming hanay,” the Isabela solon said.

PALACE WELCOMES NEW HOUSE LEADER, THANKS ROMUALDEZ

Malacañang on Wednesday said it looks forward to working with the newly elected Speaker who takes the helm of the House of Representatives as the public calls for visible results to address the people’s concerns.

In a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the Palace expressed gratitude to Romualdez for his contributions in advancing the Bagong Pilipinas legislative agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“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,” Malacañang said in a statement.

Malacañang said it respected the independence of the House of Representatives, as it reiterated its commitment to engage all lawmakers in “constructive collaboration” for the benefit of Filipino families and the nation.

“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 statement said.

“The administration remains committed to constructive collaboration with all lawmakers to keep the focus on the needs of Filipino families and move the nation forward,” the statement also said. |