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Delon Porcalla - The Philippine Star
September 17, 2025 | 12:00am
Photo shows House Speaker Martin Romualdez at the session hall in Batasan Complex.
House of Representatives / Released
MANILA, Philippines — The session at the House of Representatives was suspended yesterday after less than an hour, with sources saying Speaker Martin Romualdez, accompanied by the President’s son Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, went to a meeting with President Marcos.
Speculative reports said Romualdez was on his way out amid criticisms linking him to the flood control scandal and budget insertions.
The speculations were further stoked by images showing House personnel moving out furniture from his office last night.
There were unconfirmed reports that Romualdez wanted to just go on leave as Speaker, but was told to resign by his cousin, President Marcos.
No confirmation has been made by the leadership, the opposition bloc or Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, who has been vocal about his criticism of Romualdez, his relative by affinity.
In a chance interview, Tiangco said he is not comfortable with Romualdez’s reported plan of going on leave, since taking a leave means he can go back anytime.
House rules, Tiangco noted, make no mention of the term “leave,” only guidelines in case the Speaker is incapacitated.
A leave would not suffice since it will not be acceptable to Filipinos enraged over corruption involving congressmen, Tiangco said.
As for the possibility of Deputy Speaker Faustino de Guzman Dy III taking over in an acting capacity or as officer-in-charge, Tiangco said he did not know.
Tiangco told reporters he does not want to replace Romualdez himself, as it might be seen as his real motive.
Dy, part of a dynasty in Isabela, is a 64-year-old veteran lawmaker.
“Nothing is clear yet, but it seems we’re going there,” a lawmaker told The STAR when asked about Romualdez being replaced.
“It might be him (Dy) after all. Speaker Martin has made so many sacrifices already,” another lawmaker said, referring to numerous moves Romualdez made, including the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Another lawmaker, however, confirmed Dy’s takeover.
“Off the record. It’s confidential, but yes,” he told The STAR.
Critics of the Speaker have been calling for accountability as several lawmakers have been implicated in the flood control scandal.
Apart from Tiangco, those who have been reported as possible replacements of Romualdez as Speaker are Bacolod City Rep. Albee Benitez and Cebu Rep. Duke Frasco.
