Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III was elected as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, replacing Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez who resigned amid controversy over alleged irregular flood control projects.

Dy secured 253 votes, with 28 abstentions and 4 not voting. He vowed reforms under his leadership.

“Under my leadership, this House will change. I will not defend the guilty. I will not shield the corrupt. Gaya ng paninindigan ng ating Pangulo — no rank, no ally, no office will be spared from accountability. We must strengthen the Oversight Committee and fully cooperate with the Independent Commission of Infrastructure. Our duty is not to protect each other – our duty is to protect the Filipino people,” Dy said.

Acknowledging lapses in Congress, he appealed for public trust.

“Meron kaming pagkukulang. Kami po ay nagpapakumbaba. Nakikiusap po kami na sana bigyan ninyo kami ng pagkakataong ituwid ang mga maling kalakaran at linisin ang aming hanay. Nakikiusap po kami na bigyan ninyo kami ng tsansang makuha muli ang inyong tiwala,” he added.

Romualdez, who held the chamber’s top post since 2022, said he stepped down voluntarily after consulting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his cousin.

“With a full heart and a clear conscience, I tender my resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The issues surrounding certain infrastructure projects have raised questions that weigh not only upon me, but upon this institution we all serve. The longer I stay, the heavier that burden grows — on me, on this House, and on the President I have always sought to support,” Romualdez said.

But Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte criticized the leadership change, calling it a “cover-up.” He claimed that House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, the President’s son, handpicked Dy.

He also questioned if this was a serious fight against corruption, and if it was, why can't they file charges to corrupt lawmakers.

Sandro Marcos denied Duterte’s claim, saying the choice went through consultations.

“Baka style niya yun nung anak siya ng Pangulo. Pero I can assure you that me, we are consultative with all the party leaders. We met for plenty of weeks. Kung nagpakita lang sana si Cong Pulong dito sa trabaho at sa session, baka makikita din niya. But I'm sure he's busy looking for the P51 billion that was spent in his district,” Marcos said.

Other names floated for the speakership included Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, who declined, and Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez, who gave way for Dy.

Lawmakers said Dy’s alignment with the President’s Partido Federal made him the preferred candidate.

Malacañang confirmed Marcos and Romualdez spoke but gave no details.

“Mag-resign o hindi siya mag-resign, maaari pa rin siyang maimbestigahan,” Usec. Claire Castro said.

“The Administration remains committed to constructive collaboration with all lawmakers to keep the focus on the needs of Filipino families and move the nation forward. We respect the independence of the chamber and acknowledge the contributions of former Speaker Martin Romualdez,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement.