ASEANEWS-HEADLINE | CORRUPTION | MANILA: Romualdez resigns as speaker
Leyte First District Rep. Martin Romualdez waves after delivering his speech before the House plenary following his resignation yesterday amid public outrage over flood control anomalies./ Michael Varcas
Martin Romualdez resigns as House Speaker | ABS-CBN News
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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“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.
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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
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Bojie Dy
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Bojie Dy
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Official portrait, 2025
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| 29th Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines | |
| Assumed office September 17, 2025 |
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| Deputy |
See list
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| Preceded by | Martin Romualdez |
| Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines | |
| In office July 28, 2025 – September 17, 2025 |
|
| House Speaker | Martin Romualdez |
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Isabela | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Inno Dy |
| Constituency | 6th district |
| In office June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2010 |
|
| Preceded by | Ramon Reyes |
| Succeeded by | Napoleon Dy |
| Constituency | 3rd district |
| Vice Governor of Isabela | |
| In office June 30, 2019 – June 30, 2025 |
|
| Governor | Rodolfo Albano III |
| Preceded by | Tonypet Albano |
| Succeeded by | Francis Dy |
| 32nd Governor of Isabela | |
| In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2019 |
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| Vice Governor | Rodolfo Albano III (2010–2013) Tonypet Albano (2013–2019) |
| Preceded by | Grace Padaca |
| Succeeded by | Rodolfo Albano III |
| Mayor of Cauayan, Isabela | |
| In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 2001 |
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| Vice Mayor | Leoncio Dalin (1992–1998) Constante Foronda Jr. (1998–2001) |
| Preceded by | Benjamin Dy |
| Succeeded by | Caesar Dy Sr. |
| Vice Mayor of Cauayan, Isabela | |
| In office January 20 – June 30, 1992 |
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| Mayor | Benjamin Dy |
| Preceded by | Leoncio Dalin |
| Succeeded by | Leoncio Dalin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 31, 1961 |
| Political party | PFP (2024–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
PDP–Laban (2018–2024) NPC (2004–2009; 2010–2018) Lakas (until 2004; 2009–2010) |
| Spouse | Mary Ann Arcega |
| Children | 2, including Inno |
Faustino “Bojie” De Guzman Dy III (born August 31, 1961) is a Filipino politician who has served as the 29th speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines since 2025. A member of President Bongbong Marcos‘s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, he has served as a representative for Isabela‘s sixth district since 2025. Dy previously represented Isabela’s third district from 2001 to 2010. Before returning to Congress, he served as the 32nd governor of Isabela from 2010 to 2019 and as vice governor from 2019 to 2025, under Governor Rodolfo Albano III.
Early life and career
Dy was born on August 31, 1961.[1] He is the son of former Isabela governor Faustino Dy by his second wife, Natividad De Guzman.[2] He entered politics in 1992 after becoming vice mayor of Cauayan, Isabela. Later that year, he was elected mayor, serving three terms ending in 2001.[3]
Dy first entered the House of Representatives in 2001, being elected to represent Isabela’s third district, succeeding Ramon Reyes.[4] He was accused of committing electoral fraud by his rival, Grace Padaca, but was cleared by the House electoral tribunal in 2003.[5] He held that seat until 2010, when he was term-limited and ran for governor of Isabela.[3]
Governor of Isabela (2010–2019)
Elections
Dy first ran for the Isabela governorship in the 2010 election, seeking the office under the Nationalist People’s Coalition banner.[6] In that race, he defeated the Liberal Party incumbent Grace Padaca, who had served since 2004.[3][7] In the 2013 election, he ran for reelection with Tonypet Albano as his running mate and defeated Padaca’s elder brother Marlo Angelo by a landslide.[8][9] He faced the younger Padaca again in the 2016 election and won a third and final term with a wide margin.[10][11]
Tenure
In the 2016 Philippine presidential election, he supported the candidacy of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas.[12] At a campaign event for Roxas’s rival Grace Poe, Dy and his family took offense at Poe after she questioned his presence at her sorties.[12]
In August 2018, Dy expressed his willingness to participate in localized peace talks with the New People’s Army.[13]
Vice Governor of Isabela (2019–2025)
After being term-limited as governor, he sought the vice governorship in the 2019 election, where he defeated Padaca again.[14][15] In that race, his brother Napoleon accused him of mishandling a road project as governor, a charge he denied before reconciling leading up to election day.[16][17][18]
In September 2020, former Angadanan Mayor Manuel Siquian filed a complaint-affidavit against Dy over an alleged anomalous rehabilitation and improvement project for the Ilagan–Divilacan Road, stating that no public bidding was conducted for the project.[19]
Speaker of the House (since 2025)
District elections
In October 2024, Dy filed his candidacy to run for the House of Representatives in Isabela’s sixth district, running to succeed his son Inno, who ran for mayor of Echague.[20] Running under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, he was elected to the seat unopposed and took office on June 30, 2025.[21][22]
Election as Speaker
Dy entered the 20th Congress of the Philippines as a deputy speaker under House Speaker Martin Romualdez.[23]
Months leading up to the height of the flood control projects controversy in the Philippines in September 2025, media speculation arose regarding a possible leadership change in the lower house, especially after contractor Sarah Discaya implicated Speaker Romualdez in the alleged anomalies.[24] By September 6, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin rebuked Congress under Romualdez’s speakership, urging the speaker to “clean up your house first”.[25]
On September 17, Romualdez formally resigned as speaker, a move Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun described as one that aimed to allow Romualdez to better clarify his role in the allegations made against him.[26] Leading up to Romualdez’s resignation, media outlets reported that Dy was a leading candidate to replace the former as speaker.[27] Dy was later elected as House Speaker that day, being the only member nominated for the role and receiving 253 votes.[28]
Personal life
Dy is married to Mary Ann Arcega.[29] Their son, Faustino V (“Inno”), has served as the mayor of Echague since 2025 and previously as representative of Isabela’s sixth district from 2019 to 2025.[20] Another son, Francis (“Kiko”), has served as the vice governor of Isabela since 2025.[30]
Electoral history
| Year | Office | Party | Votes received | Result | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | % | P. | Swing | |||||
| 1992 | Mayor of Cauayan, Isabela | Lakas | — | Won | ||||
| 1995 | — | Won | ||||||
| 1998 | — | Won | ||||||
| 2001 | Representative (Isabela–3rd) | — | Won | |||||
| 2004 | NPC | — | Won | |||||
| 2007 | — | Won | ||||||
| 2010 | Governor of Isabela | Lakas | 274,747 | 50.09% | 1st | — | Won | |
| 2013 | NPC | 358,998 | 86.10% | 1st | +36.01 | Won | ||
| 2016 | 451,766 | 75.27% | 1st | -10.83 | Won | |||
| 2019 | Vice Governor of Isabela | PDP–Laban | 483,608 | 74.32% | 1st | — | Won | |
| 2022 | 632,938 | 100.00% | 1st | +25.68 | Won | |||
| 2025 | Representative (Isabela–6th) | PFP | 129,097 | 100.00% | 1st | — | Won | |
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