In what could be considered a done deal, House Speaker Martin Romualdez's securing the support of 285 lawmakers, including four members of the opposition Liberal Party, has sealed his bid to retain control of the House leadership in the upcoming 20th Congress, according to Deputy Speaker David “Jayjay” Suarez.

Suarez said Sunday that 278 lawmakers have signed formal declarations of support, with four of the six Liberal Party members joining the movement for “legislative continuity and national stability”.

The show of support comes amid rumors of a potential shakeup in the House leadership, with at least four lawmakers reportedly vying for the speakership.

Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco, campaign manager for the administration’s slate Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, said some lawmakers have approached him to express support for a possible bid.

Tiangco attributed the administration’s lackluster senatorial performance to the House-led impeachment attempt against Vice President Sara Duterte, and said he’s open to the challenge if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approves.

Duterte has also publicly stated she encouraged her brother, Davao Representative Paolo Duterte, to run for speaker or lead the minority bloc.

Romualdez allies contend that the speakership race is “effectively over”, citing the secured majority needed to retain control. They stressed the importance of continuity as the administration enters its midterm, arguing that Romualdez’s continued leadership ensures the timely passage of Marcos’ priority bills, particularly the national budget.

“Leadership in the House is about bringing people together to pass meaningful laws. Speaker Romualdez has done that, time and again,” Suarez said.

House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Adiong said the House achieved “100 percent” of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council’s priority legislation under Romualdez.

“There’s no reason for me, minus my affiliation to Lakas, as a member of the House of Representatives, to look around in shock for a possible replacement of the Speaker. That’s why I would maintain my support [for] the current leadership of the House,” Adiong said.

Suarez and Adiong are members of Lakas-CMD, the dominant bloc in the House. #DailyTribune #SpeakerRomualdez