Faustino Dy III Elected New House Speaker, Trio of Former Independents Joins Majority Bloc

In a significant reshuffle within the Philippine House of Representatives, Isabela’s 6th district Rep. Faustino "Bojie" Dy III was elected as the new House Speaker during the plenary session on Wednesday, September 17. Dy succeeded Leyte’s 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez, who stepped down after only 52 days in office amid the 20th Congress.

The election saw the support of three once-independent lawmakers: Bacolod City lone district Rep. Albee Benitez, Navotas City lone district Rep. Toby Tiangco, and Cebu’s 5th district Rep. Duke Frasco. Although each had previously opposed Romualdez’s leadership for various reasons, they chose not to align with the minority bloc and instead backed Dy, thereby technically joining the majority.

It is yet to be determined whether Benitez, Tiangco, and Frasco will be granted committee chairmanships or other influential posts under Speaker Dy’s leadership.

In a symbolic moment, Dy’s oath-taking as Speaker was administered by Negros Occidental’s 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez, the son of Albee Benitez. At just 30 years old, Javi Benitez is among the youngest members of the 20th Congress and currently serves as an assistant majority leader.