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HOUSE Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is gearing up for a potential presidential bid in 2028, but according to political experts, he will be contending not only with political rivals but also with history itself.
In an interview, political analyst and academic professor Julio Teehankee pointed out what is often referred to as the “Speaker’s Curse,” a historical pattern in Philippine politics, where no sitting or former house speaker has successfully clinched the presidency in the post-EDSA era.
“Romualdez will be running against history,” says Teehankee. “In our political experience since the restoration of democracy, no speaker has ever made it to Malacañang.”
EYEING THE PRESIDENCY House Speaker Martin Romualdez speaks at a public forum. As he eyes a potential 2028 presidential bid, Romualdez faces the dual challenge of overcoming what analysts call the 'Speaker’s Curse' and responding to growing scrutiny over the alleged politicization of government aid programs tied to his office. PHOTO FROM HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WEBSITE
He cites the failed presidential bids of former House Speakers Ramon Mitra in 1992, Jose de Venecia in 1998 and Manny Villar in 2010 — all of whom entered the race with political machinery and national prominence, but ultimately fell short.
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Romualdez, who currently holds one of the most powerful positions in Congress, has been steadily building his national profile. However, the so-called Speaker’s Curse casts a long shadow over his ambitions.
Adding to his challenges, Romualdez, who is also eyeing a second term as House speaker in the upcoming 20th Congress, is reportedly facing an uphill battle in retaining the top post in the lower chamber.
