Yedda denies Cebu guv bid

CEBU, Philippines — Tingog Partylist Representative Yedda Romualdez has denied rumors linking her to a possible run for governor of Cebu in the 2028 elections, calling the speculation  baseless  and warning against the misuse of her name for political agendas.

In a statement issued on June 7, Romualdez said she was compelled to address the public, particularly the people of Cebu, after her name began circulating in local political circles as a possible contender for the province s top post in the 2025 elections.

 Let me be very clear: I am not running for governor. I am not running for any position in Cebu. I have not transferred my residency,  she said, apparently referring to her address in Leyte where her husband, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, is serving as congressional representative of the first district.

But Yedda's family is from Cebu and she grew up and studied in the city. She is the granddaughter of the late Cebuano labor leader Democrito Mendoza of Liloan town.

However, she stressed that claims of her seeking a local position are not only false but also easily disproven.

"These are facts that can easily be verified. It is very easy to check the Comelec records in Liloan. I am not a registered voter there. My mother is registered in Cebu City but I am not. Duke knows fully well whether or not I am his constituent,  she said, in an apparent reference to Fifth District Representative Vincent  Duke  Franco Frasco.

Delivering a pointed message to those fueling speculation, "I say this with respect: Please do not use my name for your selfish political interests,  she added.

Romualdez said her current mandate remains as a representative of Tingog Partylist, focusing on nationwide concerns, particularly those affecting disaster-vulnerable communities, women, and children.

 I remain fully committed to my national mandate as a representative of Tingog Partylist, where I serve the entire country especially disaster-vulnerable communities, women, children, and those who are too often left unheard,  she said.

She emphasized that should her name appear on the ballot in Cebu, voters should disregard it.

 If ever you see my name on the ballot in Cebu, ako na po mismo ang nagsasabi sa inyo: huwag n yo akong iboto. Because that would not be me,  she stated.

 Politics should be about public service, not power games,  she continued.  And right now, my focus is clear: serving the Filipino people, not personal ambition.

Romualdez concluded her statement by thanking the public for allowing her to  clarify the truth.

The rumors come amid the decision of the National Unity Party (NUP) to expel Rep. Frasco for defying the party s official stance supporting House Speaker Romualdez s bid to retain his post in the upcoming 20th Congress.

NUP President and Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative LRay Villafuerte announced the expulsion Friday, citing Frasco s refusal to back Romualdez as a  blatant breach of the NUP s official position of unequivocal support for the Speaker.

Frasco confirmed he did not sign the manifesto of support and said he will issue a statement explaining his reasons in the coming days.

The NUP is a key member of the House supermajority coalition, which has rallied behind Speaker Romualdez s continued leadership.

House Speaker Romualdez is a close ally and cousin of President Ferdinand  Bongbong  Marcos Jr., and is expected to play a central role in shaping the House agenda in the next Congress.

Villafuerte stressed that party unity is paramount, especially regarding leadership decisions, and that Frasco s dissent could not be overlooked.

Frasco is the husband of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and son-in-law of outgoing Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.  (CEBU NEWS)