Former House speaker Martin Romualdez is poised to retain control over the 300-plus-member chamber in the current 20th Congress, with 287 lawmakers reportedly backing his bid, according to his ally. 

Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre said in a press briefing on Wednesday that while there is no credible challenger yet for the speakership, Romualdez is widely expected to win the race, citing a significant number of lawmakers who pledged their support for the Leyte solon. 

Acidre claimed that of 287 who have signified support for Romualdez, 283 have signed manifesto backing his reelection for the chamber’s top post.

“The question of Speakership has already been resolved many, many weeks ago. I don’t think this is any more a question that needs to be resolved,” he said. 

The House is set to install a new set of leaders, including the Speaker, when the 20th Congress convenes on the morning of 28 July, hours before the President delivers his State of the Nation Address.

Despite claims of a sure win by his allies, Romualdez’s prospects remain uncertain with prominent figures such as Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez, and Cebu Rep. Duke Frasco — who was expelled by the National Unity Party for refusing to sign the manifesto — emerging as potential contenders for the speakership.

Vice President Sara Duterte earlier disclosed that she is trying to convince her brother, Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte, to either run for Speaker or head the minority bloc.

But Romualdez allies have repeatedly expressed confidence that they already have the numbers to secure the speakership.

Since the outcome of the contest is already certain with the supposed guarantee of support of nearly 300 legislators for Romualdez, Acidre believes that the voting will be smooth, free from expected drama or conflict.

“Our support for Congressman Martin Romualdez to be the next speaker of the House remains strong as ever,” Acidre pledged. 

Despite substantial support Romualdez from his colleagues, Romualdez faced criticism and even legal battles while serving as Speaker of the House in the 19th Congress.  

Previously, Frasco cited a “shared frustration” and “deep disappointment” within the House over Romualdez’s leadership as the ground for withholding his support.

He warned that keeping Romualdez as Speaker in the 20th Congress would only deepen these rifts, undermining President Marcos’s call for national unity and political stability.

Administration lawmakers have categorically denied Frasco’s allegations, claiming that the “overwhelming” backing from nearly 300 House members is already a compelling demonstration of a united chamber.

Tiangco, meanwhile, claimed that some congressmen were promised a “conditional release” by Romualdez's leadership in exchange for their signatures in the impeachment complaint against the Vice President—an allegation vehemently belied by lawmakers.

In late April, the Palace denied a so-called "leaked" memo circulated by pro-Duterte groups suggesting President Marcos was considering appointing Tiangco as the next Speaker to replace his cousin Romualdez. 

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin denounced the document as fake, calling it a “blatant attempt to spread disinformation and sow division” within the administration.