Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is poised to keep his control over the 300-plus-member chamber in the newly installed 20th Congress, with 287 lawmakers reportedly backing his bid, according to an ally.
Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre in a press briefing on Wednesday said that while there is no credible challenger for the speakership, Romualdez is widely expected to retain the post, citing a significant number of lawmakers who pledged their support for the Leyte solon.
Acidre claimed that of 287 who have signified their support for Romualdez, 283 have signed the manifesto backing his reelection to the speakership.
“The question of the speakership had 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’s allies have repeatedly expressed confidence that they already have the numbers to secure the speakership.
Since the outcome of the contest appears certain with the guarantee of support from nearly 300 legislators for Romualdez, Acidre believes the voting will be smooth, free from any expected drama or conflict.
“Our support for Congressman Martin Romualdez to be the next speaker of the House remains strong as ever,” Acidre said.
Romualdez faced criticism and even legal battles while serving as Speaker of the House in the 19th Congress.
Frasco had cited a “shared frustration” and “deep disappointment” within the House over Romualdez’s leadership as the grounds for withholding his support.
He warned that Romualdez’s retention as Speaker in the 20th Congress would only deepen the 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 a compelling demonstration of a united chamber.