Romualdez reelection as Speaker of 20th Congress expected, say House leaders

Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez has already secured the overwhelming support of his colleagues in the House of Representatives to ensure his reelection as Speaker of the House, House leaders said Thursday.

House Assistant Majority Leaders Ernesto Dionisio of Manila and Zia Adiong of Lanao del Sur made the announcement when asked if Romualdez is still seeking support for his second consecutive bid as Speaker in the 20th Congress during on the last day of the orientation of neophyte lawmakers.

“Congress is a collegial body, there are already at least 283 who signed the manifesto. That [number] is an overwhelming majority in support of Speaker Martin Romualdez, and this manifesto shows a strong support in the leadership of Speaker Martin is supported by the House members and incoming 20th Congress,” Dionisio said in a press conference. 

Asked if there is a strong contender for the Speakership aside from Romualdez, Dionisio responded, “Parang malabo.” (It appears unlikely.)

House Deputy Speaker and Cebu Rep. Duke Frasco previously of National Unity Party (NUP) was the highest ranking House leader who did not sign the manifesto in support of the Speaker's reelection, prompting NUP to expel him from the NUP which supports the manifesto. 

Frasco also earlier said that given a chance, he would vote for Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco or Negros Occidental Rep.-elect Albee Benitez as Speaker. 

Adiong said Frasco and others who might have a different choice for the new Speaker are free to choose their candidates. 

"Wala pong pilitan rito," Adiong said. 

(Nobody is forcing anybody's hand here.) 

Adiong, however, stressed that Romualdez’s leadership is rooted in stability and efficiency that needs to be maintained.

“If it is not broken, why fix it?,” Adiong said.

During the fellowship with incoming House members,  Adiong and Dionisio both said Romualdez did not discuss the Speakership race.

“The Speaker was there mainly to give guidance and show  support to the new members of the House. Speaker Martin was simply guiding the new members on how they could become an effective leader of their respective districts. Wala pong napag-usapan doon (There was no talk) about leadership support or anything about positions in the House [leadership],” Dionisio said.

On the issue of the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte, Dionisio and Adiong said Romualdez did not ask the new House members for their support on the issue, which the House of Representatives has been pushing for.

“The atmosphere last night was jovial and the least the Speaker wants is to spoil the mood. We did not talk about impeachment there, it wasn’t mentioned at all,” Adiong said.

Romualdez is the cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. —RF, GMA Integrated News