Overview
Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez was re-elected as House Speaker for the 20th Congress with broad support, as political dynamics and notable dissent marked the session.
Election of House Speaker
- Martin Romualdez was re-elected as House Speaker with 269 out of over 300 votes.
- He was the sole nominee, with his nomination supported by major political groups and seconded by Representative Sandro Marcos.
- 34 House members abstained from voting for the speakership.
Support and Nominations
- Romualdez's nomination was made by Representative David J.J. Suarez, emphasizing his leadership during uncertain times and responsiveness to national needs.
- Suarez expressed hope that Romualdez will address national challenges such as global volatility and poverty in the 20th Congress.
- Major parties supporting Romualdez include Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Nationalist People's Coalition, National Unity Party, Nacionalista Party, and Partylist Coalition Foundation, Inc.
- Sandro Marcos was elected House Majority Leader.
Dissent and Abstentions
- Representatives such as Shell Diokno, Laila Delima, Alfredo Benitez, Duke Frasco, and Marcelino Libanan abstained from voting.
- Toby Chanko and Isidro Ungap abstained and declared themselves independent, not joining the House minority.
- Paulo Duterte walked out, refusing to participate or join any bloc, criticizing the session as a "political circus."
Romualdez’s Response and Commitments
- Romualdez emphasized the value of diverse opinions to enrich debates and strengthen democracy in the lower chamber.
- He committed to maintaining transparency, firm principles, and responsiveness in the House's conduct.
Ongoing Political Context
- The composition and leadership of the House are key for advancing the president's legislative priorities amid Marcos-Duterte political tensions.
- Romualdez acknowledged the Supreme Court's nullification of the impeachment complaint against Duterte and reiterated the House's sole authority to initiate impeachment proceedings.