Metro Manila, Mindanao congressmen show support for Speaker Bojie Dy

At least 97 House members from Mindanao and Metro Manila have expressed their support to Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III.

The Metro Manila congressmen included 30 out of 33 district representatives, while the Mindanao legislators who expressed support for the Speaker, led by Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez, reached 67.

"Together, the two regions—representing the nation's political capital and its second-largest island—delivered their strongest collective endorsement yet for the Speaker," a statement released by the Speaker's office read.

In a letter dated November 24, the Metro Manila lawmakers said Speaker Dy steadied the House "during a particularly tumultuous time, where public perception against the government was badly affected by the serious flood control corruption issues."

"Despite this significant challenge, your calmness, sincerity, and principled approach have been a unifying force within the chamber," the Metro Manila lawmakers said of Dy.

The 67-strong Mindanao congressmen, on the other hand, said the House must be led by Dy "whose leadership is grounded in stability, continuity, and the rule of law."

"For these reasons, we affirm our strong support for Speaker Dy," they said.

Earlier, the 39-strong Northern Luzon Alliance also issued a manifesto declaring its "unequivocal support" for Dy, citing his leadership, character, and steady hand in guiding the House.

The 44-strong Party List Coalition Foundation Inc. also earlier expressed support for Dy's speakership.

This brings the total number of lawmakers who expressed support for Dy's leadership at 180 or majority of the 300-strong House.

There were previous reports of efforts to replace Dy as the Speaker and install Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno of Antipolo City as his successor.

Puno is a stalwart of the National Unity Party, the second largest political party in the House with at least 43 members.

Malacañang recently said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has nothing to do with the selection of and changes in leadership of the House of Representatives.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro issued the statement when asked for comment on rumors that a change of leadership was imminent in the lower chamber, with Puno supposedly replacing Dy. — VDV, GMA Integrated News