Martin Romualdez eyes House speakership in next Congress

Former Leyte Representative and now Lakas-CMD president Martin Romualdez on Monday announced that he is seeking the speakership at the House of Representatives in the next Congress.

Romualdez made the formal announcement after Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said he is interested in the position.

"I confirm the statement of Mayor Sara that I am interested in the speakership race of the 18th Congress," Romualdez said in a statement.

"Many congressmen aspire for that position. I am humbled and honored that she [Duterte] mentioned my name as one of the contenders," he added.

Like incumbent Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who formerly chaired Lakas-CMD, Romualdez said he would push President Rodrigo Duterte's legislative agenda.

"Right now, I am working very hard to ensure my victory in the coming election," he said.

Romualdez served as representative of the First District of Leyte for three consecutive terms—a position that is currently held by his wife, Yedda Marie Romualdez.

After reaching the three-term limit for congressmen, Romualdez ran for senator in the 2016 elections but lost.

Romualdez is running for reelection as representative of the First District of Leyte in the 2019 elections. — BM, GMA News