Romualdez to resign as speaker despite party's objections — Puno
Dy endorsed as next speaker
MANILA, Philippines — House Deputy Speaker and National Unity Party (NUP) chair Ronaldo Puno confirmed Speaker Martin Romualdez’s plan to resign and his endorsement of Deputy Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III as his successor.
This came despite party leaders opposing Romualdez’s decision to step down, with some advising him to take a leave of absence instead, Puno revealed over a radio interview on Wednesday, September 17.
"‘Yan ang rekomendasyon ng ating speaker, si Speaker Martin Romualdez, so maari siya [Rep. Faustino "Bojie" Dy III] ang maging speaker natin sa Kamara," he told dzMM Teleradyo.
Puno explained that Romualdez has been considering resignation for weeks amid allegations of flood control corruption and budget insertions tied to lawmakers. He reportedly held party meetings every now and then to discuss it.
"Tuwing nagkikita kita kaming party leaders, laging babanggitin ni Speaker Martin na iniisip na niyang magbitiw na talaga dahil masyado na raw ang kontrobersya, gusto niyang ipagtanggol ang reputasyon ng ating mababang kapulungan," he said.
The NUP chair said the party leaders will hold a meeting on Wednesday morning to finalize the plan after Romualdez called them on Tuesday to formally announce his final decision to step down.
"Kahapon pinatawag kami ng ating speaker Martin Romualdez at sinabihan kami na balak na niyang magbitiw sa kanyang pwest ngayong araw na ito," Puno said.
"And then nirekomenda niya sa party leaders na pupwede iboto natin si Deputy Speaker Bojie Dy at tulungan siya, ‘yung rekomendado ni Speaker Martin, para sa epektibong pamamahala ng ating Kamara," he added.
Puno said he thought Romualdez was going to heed their recommendation to take a leave of absence two days ago. The party leaders, however, were taken aback when the speaker was firm with his decision to resign.
"Syempre, kami naman, kinokumbinsi namin siya na 'wag talaga [mag-resign]. 'Wag siya magbitiw dahil lalong lalo na dito sa ating panahon ng kaguluhan, hindi maaaring maging unstable ang ating Kamara," Puno said.
Shakeup ahead. Talks about a change in leadership, whether it was an ouster or Romualdez voluntarily bowing out, have echoed the halls of Congress for weeks since lawmakers were tagged in an alleged kickback scheme involving flood control projects.
Romualdez's exit also became more apparent when he reportedly left Batasan Complex on Tuesday to meet with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and discuss the House leadership.
As Romualdez readies his resignation, the House is expected to decide on his successor later Wednesday.
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