Gloomy holidays amid House shakeup

The fallout from the flood control scandal that allegedly involved officials of the House of Representatives did not end with investigations. It reached then-Speaker Martin Romualdez, who stepped down so the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) can “pursue its mandate freely and fully.”

Less visible to the public, however, was the immediate effect of the leadership change on staff members whose positions were coterminous with the Speaker.

Beyond the removal of the Speaker’s nameplate, several consultants from the Speaker’s communications team were also asked to vacate their desks — an abrupt disruption that affected not only careers but family plans as the holidays approached.

One of them, who asked to be identified only as “Miguel,” said the transition, while difficult, was understandable.

“With Rep. Romualdez no longer Speaker, it was logical and proper that he no longer needed the same number of people under him,” Miguel said.

He described Romualdez as an approachable and pleasant boss — busy, but consistently maintaining a positive atmosphere among his staff.

“The work-life balance was fine, but the atmosphere was intense. You’re constantly aware that you’re serving one of the highest leaders in the country, so the pressure is always there. I’m just glad I was able to perform my duties well and with dignity,” he said.

Miguel said the end of their work came suddenly.

“When Romualdez resigned as House Speaker, our roles concluded as well. It was very sudden — everything changed in the blink of an eye. One moment we were there, and the next, the transition had already happened,” he added.

The abrupt shift brought a sense of loss and uncertainty, he said. Still, Miguel believed persistence and perspective were crucial, especially for those with experience in media and communications.

Before December arrived, Miguel secured a media relations position, allowing his household to still welcome the holidays with renewed optimism.

“Honestly, I felt a bit lost. I wasn’t prepared for how fast things moved, and I didn’t have a backup plan at the time. But I believe everything happens for a reason. When one door closes, another opens,” he said.

“It’s definitely different from what I imagined earlier this year, but in a good way. It’s a season of new beginnings for me.”

Like many Filipino families, Miguel said they endured emotional, financial, and career challenges throughout the year.

“I am most thankful that I can celebrate properly with my family and continue to provide for their needs. We survived a rollercoaster of emotional, financial, and career challenges this year, and I’m grateful we got through it,” he said.