Romualdez resigns as speaker

Palace: Romualdez won’t be spared from flood probe

MANILA, Philippines —  After more than three years of leading the House of Representatives, Martin Romualdez stepped down as speaker yesterday amid public anger over revelations of massive anomalies in flood control projects, with some of his allies in the chamber implicated.

“Leadership also demands difficult choices. Today, I have decided to step down as speaker of the House,” an emotional Romualdez – first cousin of President Marcos – said in a farewell speech, to the loud and long applause of his colleagues.

Romualdez stays as congressman of Leyte’s first district.

Malacañang welcomed Romualdez’s decision to resign to “preserve the integrity” of the House, but stressed he would not be spared from investigation, including by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) formed by the President to look into flood control anomalies.

Elected by 253 members to replace Romualdez as speaker was Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy III.

“If my decision can help restore faith in our institutions, then I offer myself willingly as an example of accountability,” said the 61-year-old Romualdez, who  heads the dominant Lakas-CMD party, which has 111 members in the chamber.

He stressed that his resignation does not imply admission of guilt.

“Let me be clear: wala akong kasalanan at wala akong itinatago (I have done nothing wrong and I have nothing to hide). Ang tanging layunin ko ay maglingkod at magpabuti ng buhay ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino (My only intention is to serve and uplift the lives of every Filipino). Yet I also know that when questions arise, it is the people’s trust that must always come first,” Romualdez said.

He maintained that his exit as House leader should pave the way for the ICI to “pursue its mandate freely and fully, without any doubt and without any undue interference.” He said uncovering the truth in the interest of justice is his wish. “Let the truth emerge and let justice be done,” he said.

“This is not farewell, but a reaffirmation of service. I will continue to serve as representative of Leyte, and as a servant of the Filipino people. My faith in due process, in our democracy and in you – our people – remains unshaken,” the administration stalwart reiterated.

Romualdez framed his move to resign as an “act of service rather than retreat.”

“Masakit man sa akin (Although it pains 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,” he said.

“I decided to do this because I believe that true service is giving more importance to the trust of the people than to any other position,” he said in Filipino.

Not off the hook

At a press briefing hours before the House leadership change, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Romualdez would be investigated if authorities unearth enough evidence to link him to the flood control mess.

“If his name is dragged and if there is evidence against him, it would be better if he defends himself using the records that he can show. Whether he resigns or not, he may still be investigated,” Castro said.

“If ever speaker Romualdez resigns... especially since his name was mentioned, it would be fine and acceptable if the reason is to preserve the integrity of the institution and to ensure a free investigation,” she added.

Castro also confirmed Marcos’ and Romualdez’s meeting last Monday, but did not provide details.

In a statement, the PCO said Malacañang is ready to work with Dy in pushing key measures as it reiterated its respect for the independence of the chamber.

“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,” the PCO said.

“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,” it added.

It said the Marcos administration remains committed to “constructive collaboration” with all lawmakers “to keep the focus on the needs of Filipino families and move the nation forward.”

Not a coup

In an interview with “Storycon” on One News, Deputy Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong emphasized the leadership change in the House was not a result of a coup.

Although some lawmakers had expressed interest in the top House position, Adiong said the election of Dy was a result of Romualdez’s personal decision to step down.

“There’s no coup. The speaker stepped down. He was not ousted. He was not outvoted by anyone. It was his personal decision to step aside and allow someone else to take the helm, the leadership of the House of Representatives,” Adiong said.

“There are quite few members who are also ambitioning to be the next speaker, but they could not muster numbers and put forward their names… Practically, there’s no coup,” he maintained.

According to Adiong, Romualdez’s decision to step down was partly due to the public outcry over alleged anomalies involving flood control projects.

“He felt that in order to save the institution, he has to step aside,” he said, referring to the criticisms directed at Congress.

Adiong also said that despite the change in leadership, the ongoing House investigation on anomalies in flood control projects is expected to proceed as planned.

“As a matter of procedure and as a matter of rule, that will continue since the tri-comm has not yet adjourned or been terminated. So, there will definitely be another tri-comm hearing,” he said in Filipino.

As with any leadership change, Adiong said the mood yesterday at the House of Representatives was somber but optimistic.

“It’s quite somber and at the same time optimistic… At the end of the day, what we should talk about is how we can put forward the agenda of this administration so that the country will go forward as we should,” Adiong added.

Sandro saddened

House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos said he felt saddened by Romualdez’s decision to resign.

“It is saddening, anytime that there is a speaker of the house, outgoing. It is saddening,” Marcos, son of the President, told reporters after casting his vote for Dy.

“But again, it was done for the sake of the institution and hopefully the incoming speaker Bojie Dy will bring the House to great heights. One that is accountable and one that is answerable to the people,” Marcos said.

In a statement, Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes congratulated Dy and thanked Romualdez for helping advance the legislative agenda for the elderly, pensioners and retirees.

“I congratulate Congressman Faustino Dy III on his election as Speaker of the House. I chose to support his election because his goals are aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and because of our shared concern for barangays, farmers and countryside communities,” Ordanes said. “These are the same communities the Senior Citizens Party-list serves and represents because we are essentially a grassroots communities organization.”

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin also voiced support for the leadership change.

“I remain solidly behind the public service agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” Garbin said in a statement. “I will heed the continuing guidance of the President and will be steadfast in my support of his governance priorities.”

Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez said the election of a new House leader is “the best way to move forward.”

“That’s a good move, that is probably the best way to move forward so at least we will see and find the truth on the problems that’s rocking the House,” Benitez said.

Senators also congratulated Dy for his election as new Speaker. “It’s a very good choice for the congressman. He has a very good record. He’s been vice mayor, mayor, congressman, governor, vice governor, congressman-elect. And in all those years, no bad record,” Senate President Vicente Sotto III said. “I am sure he is capable and it will be good for the House.”

Former Senate president Francis Escudero said Dy’s “experience and steady leadership will serve the House well during this critical period.”

But Escudero said the change in House speakership “should not distract us from the unresolved issues surrounding past budgets and infrastructure anomalies.”

Sen. JV Ejercito said the House leadership change is a much-needed “reboot” and a “fresh start for both” chambers of Congress.

Members of the so-called Duterte bloc, however, trained their guns on Romualdez, with Sen. Ronald dela Rosa calling the former speaker’s resignation a “sign of guilt.”

Sen. Imee Marcos declined to comment on her cousin’s resignation even as she called Dy a “kind” person.

“My problem is Bojie’s very kind,” she said, referring to Dy by his nickname.

“Poor him, it’s tough being in his shoes,” Marcos said, calling the Speaker post “arguably the worst job in the world.” - Alexis Romero,  Janvic Mateo, Marc Jayson Cayabyab