Martin Romualdez resigns as Speaker

Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has resigned from his post as the House of Representatives' top leader on Wednesday, citing the need to insulate the lower chamber from allegations of corruption being leveled against him.

Romualdez’s resignation came a day after he met with his cousin, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., as well as the Chief Executive's son, House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos.

"The longer I stay, the heavier that burden grows on me, on this house, and on the President I've always sought to support. And so, after deep reflection and prayer, I have made a decision today, with a full heart and a clear conscience, I tender my resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives," Romualdez said.

"I do this so that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure may pursue its mandate freely and fully, without doubt, without interference, without undue influence," Romualdez added.

Contractor spouses Curlee and Sarah Discaya earlier alleged that lawmakers and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials who ask them for commissions off government projects frequently mention the name of Romualdez and former House appropriations panel chairperson Zaldy Co in relation to commissions from flood control projects projects.

Curlee, however, later clarified that he never had a direct transaction with Romualdez and that the names of the Speaker and Co were just being name dropped by other involved parties. 

Romualdez has denied that Discaya couple’s allegations, but on Wednesday conceded that leadership demands him to “confront the trials of the present” and build back public trust.

“In his recent State of the Nation address, our President reminded us that accountability must prevail and that no one is above scrutiny. I fully and unequivocally embrace that call,” Romualdez said.

"The issues surrounding certain infrastructure projects have raised questions that weigh not only upon me, but upon this institution we all serve. Ang ating mga kababayan ay naghahangad ng linaw at higit sa lahat ng tiwala. Tungkulin natin na ito ay maibalik (Our people are seeking clarity, and, above all, trust. It is my responsibility to bring it back)," Romualdez added.

In closing, Romualdez said his resignation is not about yielding but commitment to service.

"I leave this chamber as I first entered it: a humble servant ready to serve wherever duty may call. I step down not in surrender but in service," Romualdez said.

"For sometimes, the greatest act of leadership is the grace to let it go. So that this institution may endure stronger than ever before," he added.

While Romualdez’s name was linked to the alleged anomalous government flood control projects, the former Speaker expressed support for "independent scrutiny" on allegations of corruption in the government. 

"Let me be clear: the House of the People will never condone corruption, whether in public works, local governance, or any other area of government service. Allegations of wrongdoing must be investigated thoroughly and addressed decisively," Romualdez said.

"I fully support initiatives for independent scrutiny and fair prosecution to ensure that those who betray public trust are held accountable under the law," added Romualdez.

Romualdez issued the statement after a number of business groups and civil society organizations called for an end to corruption in government amid ongoing investigations involving alleged ghost flood control projects. — VDV, GMA Integrated News