Leyte Rep. Romualdez Steps Down as House Speaker Amid Controversy

House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila De Lima has commended Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for his decision to resign as Speaker of the House, describing the move as essential to safeguard the institution from further harm.

De Lima noted that the House Minority bloc has received information confirming that Deputy Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III is expected to succeed Romualdez in the speakership role.

She emphasized, "I believe this is the right step to prevent public skepticism regarding the ongoing investigations. This decision is not meant to cast doubt on the Speaker’s personal integrity but rather to uphold the reputation of the House as a whole."

Highlighting the importance of the institution over individual standing, De Lima added, "More than anyone else, including the Speaker himself, the priority must be the integrity and credibility of the House of Representatives. The dignity of the entire institution is at stake, beyond just one person’s reputation."

Reports indicate that Romualdez has recommended Dy to various political groups within the House that had supported his leadership.

Romualdez’s resignation follows allegations connecting him to irregularities in budget insertions and questionable flood control projects.