Yedda Romualdez denies Cebu guv bid amid Frasco 'feud'

Tingog Rep. Yedda Romualdez has categorically dispelled rumors that she is eyeing a gubernatorial seat in Cebu — a post long dominated by dynastic families like the Garcias — in the 2028 national elections.

The lawmaker issued the statement in light of the alleged ongoing rift between her husband, Speaker Martin Romualdez, and his deputy, Cebu Rep. Duke Frasco, following the latter’s reported refusal to sign a manifesto of support for the continued leadership of the House chief in the 20th Congress, which cost him expulsion from the National Unity Party (NUP).

Yedda, who did not seek reelection, directly tagged Frasco as being fully aware that she is ineligible to hold any local posts in the province, much less governor, taking into account that she is not a registered voter in Cebu. She also debunked alleged talks that she transferred her residency for future political prospects.

“These are facts that can easily be verified. It is very easy to check the Comelec records in Liloan. I am not a registered voter there. My mother is registered in Cebu City—but I am not. Duke knows fully well whether or not I am his constituent,” the lawmaker said in a statement late Saturday.

Yedda vehemently asserted that her commitment stays with Tingog and that those behind the rumors should refrain from “using my name for your selfish political interests.”

“If you ever see my name on the ballot in Cebu, I will be the first to tell you: Don't vote for me,” she pointed out. “My focus is clear: serving the Filipino people, not personal ambition.”

Cebu, one of the most influential provinces in the political landscape, with a massive voting population of 3.4 million at present, has long been controlled by the prominent Garcia clan. The province’s outgoing governor, Gwendolyn Garcia, is the mother of Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco, Duke’s wife.

Garcia suffered a surprising defeat against rookie contender Pamela Silagan “Pam” Baricuatro, who ran under the Duterte-led PDP-Laban.

Speculations have suggested that Garcia’s endorsement from President Marcos Jr. and Duke’s signing of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte were instrumental in her failed reelection bid.

The Garcias and Duke were known allies of the Dutertes before the latter’s bitter fallout with the Marcoses. Cristina served as the mouthpiece of the Vice President before being appointed to shepherd the Department of Tourism.

Duke was among the 215 lawmakers who endorsed the impeachment complaint lodged by the House of Representatives against VP Duterte on Feb. 5. Previous reports, however, implied that his decision to sign the petition was against his will, citing concerns of “zero budget” for his district.

Talks of a leadership crack were further ignited when Duke, as reported by the Daily Tribune, withheld support for Romualdez, Marcos’s cousin, continuing speakership in the upcoming Congress.

Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte, president of the NUP — one of the prominent blocs that comprise the supermajority in the lower House — said Duke’s unilateral decision runs counter to the party’s official position, making “his continued membership untenable.”

Villafuerte asserted that NUP’s firm backing of Romualdez’s continued leadership followed their alliance with Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas agenda. He said keeping Romualdez at the helm will ensure the timely passage of Marcos’ priority bills, especially the national budget.

“For the House to help stay the course of this pro-poor and pro-growth vision in the Congress, it is crucial for Speaker Martin to remain at the helm of the bigger chamber to continue shepherding the passage of the priority bills of this administration meant to spell high, inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said Saturday.

The NUP and the Romualdez-led Lakas-CMD have forged an alliance with Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. The multi-party coalition is dubbed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.