Villafuerte accuses Frasco of 'arm-twisting' Romualdez for post

The National Unity Party (NUP) — forming the supermajority bloc backing the continued leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez — accused expelled member Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco on Monday of “arm-twisting” the House chief to retain his post in the upcoming 20th Congress.

Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte, the party’s president, pointed to Frasco’s “selfish personal and partisan interests” as the primary reason for withholding support for Romualdez, which he said blatantly contradicts the NUP’s unanimous position.

“Frasco has slighted the official NUP position of support for Congressman Martin as a shrewd political ploy to arm-twist the Speaker into keeping him as Deputy Speaker in the incoming Congress,” Villafuerte said.

Villafuerte issued the scathing remarks in response to Frasco’s earlier statement that he refused to sign the manifesto supporting Romualdez, citing “shared frustrations” and “deep disappointment” from members of Congress and local leaders from Visayas and Mindanao regarding the Speaker’s leadership and its expected continuation.

Frasco insinuated that keeping Romualdez at the helm would likely sow further division in the country, undermining President Marcos Jr.’s call for unity and stability.

“I simply believe the House of Representatives can, and must, do better. We should be a partner in building the country up, not a platform for further discord,” Frasco said. “At this critical time in our nation, I believe we need leadership in the House that unites rather than divides.”

Villafuerte lambasted Frasco for making such remarks, arguing that by openly defying the NUP’s collective stance, he contributes to the very disunity he decries.

“This certainly is highfalutin language, because if there is anyone guilty of sowing disunity and discord and advancing political and personal interests, it is Duke himself,” Villafuerte said. “Duke’s action was anathema to the NUP’s long-standing position for our members to act as one and speak with one voice, which made his membership in our party untenable at this point.”

The NUP expelled Frasco last week for publicly withdrawing support for Romualdez’s speakership bid without prior consultation with the party. Villafuerte said such action is strictly prohibited, hence the expulsion.

"We acknowledge and respect the individual decision of the Deputy Speaker not to sign. That is well within his right. However, it is equally important not to conflate a singular position with the sentiment of the institution as a whole,” Villafuerte concluded.

What division?

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., another staunch Romualdez ally, denied any fracture within the House, claiming the chamber remains united behind the Speaker. The Pampanga lawmaker said Romualdez continues to enjoy supermajority support, ensuring his speakership in the 20th Congress.

"I don't see any division in Congress because of the leadership of our Speaker Martin Romualdez… All Congress [members] in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are happy. So, I’m confused because when we visit Visayas or meet with Mindanaoan lawmakers, they’re thankful,” he told reporters.

Deputy Speaker David Suarez echoed the sentiment, saying the “overwhelming” support from nearly 300 lawmakers is a compelling demonstration of unity.

“If you look at the support that Speaker Romualdez has garnered and continues to maintain, 285 congressmen have signed the manifesto of support, and I think that is a true sign of unity when it comes to the members of the House of Representatives,” Suarez said in a separate interview.

Villafuerte, Gonzales, and Suarez all emphasized that retaining Romualdez at the helm is crucial to advancing President Marcos’ legislative agenda and ensuring the timely passage of the national budget and other priority measures.

“If we want continuity, if we want true leadership that can address the issues faced by our country, and if unity must be shown, then the manifesto of support that Speaker Martin Romualdez has gained is a true sign of that unity in the House,” Suarez added.

Romualdez’s prospects remain uncertain, with prominent figures such as Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, and returning House member Albee Benitez emerging as potential contenders for the speakership.

Romualdez has been accused of orchestrating the P1.3-billion budget cut to Vice President Sara Duterte’s office this year and backing the probe into her alleged misuse of confidential funds, which eventually led to her impeachment. He has denied the allegations.

Duterte and Romualdez are both seen as potential frontrunners in the 2028 presidential elections.