𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: “Romualdez resigns as House Speaker amid flood control project controversy” by Bridget Berin

 

Published by: Keshia Gwyneth Esposa

Date Published: September 23, 2025

Time Published: 11:03 AM

Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Wednesday, September 17 resigned as Speaker of the House of Representatives, saying his stepping down is intended to allow accountability and transparency after allegations tied to flood control projects.

"Our countrymen long for clarity and, above all, for trust. It is our responsibility to restore it. The longer I remain, the heavier the burden becomes–on myself, on this House, and on the President I have consistently supported," Romualdez stated during the plenary session. 

Romualdez's resignation had been discussed weeks earlier, but party leaders pressed him to remain, emphasizing that the house could not risk instability amid ongoing controversies. 

"In our meetings, Speaker Martin often expressed his desire to resign, saying the controversies had grown too heavy and that stepping aside was necessary to protect the House's reputation and to face allegations without being accused of using his office as cover," Puno said. 

According to Puno, Romualdez did not want to be seen as evading accountability, as he had nothing to conceal and has done wrong. 

Following Romualdez's resignation, Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos opened the floor for nominations. Quezon City Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo put forward deputy Speaker and Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino "Bojie" Dy III as the next house speaker, gathering 253 votes, 28 abstentions, and zero negative votes. 

In his inaugural speech, Dy pledged to restore public trust by pushing budget reforms, enforcing transparency, and firm action to flood control projects.

REFERENCES:

Reganit, J., C. (2025, September 17). Romualdez resigns to allow full accountability, transparency. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1258926

Lalu, G., P. (2025, September 17). Romualdez formally steps down from speakership. Inquirer Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2110503/romualdez-formally-steps-down-from-speakership

Cabato, L. (2025, September 17). Romualdez to resign as House Speaker–Puno. Inquirer Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2110337/romualdez-to-resign-as-house-speaker-puno

Reganit, J., C. (2025, September 17). Isabela lawmaker Faustiono Dy III is new House Speaker. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1258942