Martin Romualdez to resign as Speaker; Bojie Dy to take over —sources

Speaker Martin Romualdez will step down from his post on Wednesday, sources have told GMA Integrated News.

According to Jonathan Andal's report on "Saksi," the sources said Isabela Rep. Faustino "Bojie" Dy III will be the new Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The session on Tuesday was suspended in just 30 minutes amid the reports that a leadership change was in the works amid the investigation of irregularities in flood control projects.

Some sources said there was talk that Romualdez would go on leave.

According to the rules of the House, the majority will choose among the deputy speakers who would exercise the powers and functions of the Speaker if he is absent or temporarily incapacitated.

If a day passes without a selection, the group would draw lots on who among the them would be the acting Speaker.

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said it was possible that there will be a leadership change in the House on Wednesday.

'Most important vote'

However, Tiangco said any move to replace the Speaker would be in vain if it didn't have the approval of the President.

"Alam naman natin ang realidad ng Speakership. Wala naman ‘yung pinaka-importanteng numero, wala naman dito sa loob ng House of Representatives. Let’s accept that fact," Tiangco said.

"Walang gagalaw rito out of respect doon sa Malacañang," he added.

Romualdez on Monday met with the chairpersons of the major House committees to discuss issues and challenges facing the chamber.

He told the committee chairs that the investigations against corruption should continue to bring out the truth.

Romualdez also met with women lawmakers who were pushing for health, education, livelihood and protection of women and children. —NB, GMA Integrated News