In a significant news development that has been trending across the nation, Speaker Martin Romualdez of the Philippine House of Representatives has officially resigned from his post, effective Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The move comes amidst escalating controversies surrounding alleged budget insertions in the 2025 national budget and accusations of kickbacks in flood control projects. Following Romualdez’s departure, Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, the representative for Isabela’s 6th district and a former Deputy Speaker, was swiftly elected as the new Speaker by the chamber.
## Romualdez Steps Down to Ensure Accountability
In a plenary session that drew significant attention, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez announced his resignation, stating his decision was driven by a desire to foster accountability and transparency within the House. He emphasized the need for the institution to regain public trust and stated that his continued presence as Speaker could hinder this process. “The longer I stay, the heavier that burden grows — on me, on this House, and on the President I have always sought to support,” Romualdez declared in his speech before fellow lawmakers. He expressed his full embrace of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for accountability, asserting that no one is above scrutiny. Romualdez’s resignation is intended to allow an independent commission to pursue its mandate without interference and to let the truth emerge and justice be done. He assured his colleagues that he would remain a member of the House, focusing on his district in Leyte.
The resignation followed a meeting between Romualdez and President Marcos Jr. on Tuesday evening, amidst intense speculation about a leadership change. While Malacañang acknowledged Romualdez’s contributions and respected the House’s independence, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro also noted that his resignation would not shield him from investigation if evidence implicates him in any wrongdoing.
## Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III Takes the Helm
Within hours of Romualdez’s announcement, the House of Representatives proceeded to elect Faustino “Bojie” Dy III as its new leader. Dy, a seasoned lawmaker representing Isabela’s 6th district and a member of the administration-backed Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), was the sole nominee and secured 253 votes. His election marks a new chapter for the lower chamber, with Dy III vowing to advance the legislative agenda of the Marcos administration and maintain stability in the House. His background includes service as Vice Governor and Governor of Isabela province before returning to Congress.
## Controversies Prompt Leadership Shake-up
Romualdez’s resignation comes at a critical juncture, with the House grappling with serious allegations of corruption. Chief among these are claims of substantial “insertions” of funds into the P241 billion 2025 national budget, reportedly for various infrastructure projects. Compounding these issues are accusations of kickbacks and anomalies in government flood control projects, with some contractors testifying before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that certain lawmakers, including Romualdez, were implicated. While Romualdez has denied personally authorizing improper insertions and dismissed claims of receiving bribes as “lies and malicious name-dropping,” the persistent controversies have evidently placed significant pressure on his leadership.
Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno has publicly attributed the budget anomalies to the bicameral conference committee process and specifically pointed fingers at former Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Elizaldy Co and Senate President Chiz Escudero. Puno argued that Romualdez was not directly involved in the finalization of budget insertions during the contentious “small committee” meetings. In response to the growing scandal, President Marcos Jr. previously ordered an independent investigation into flood control projects and established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to audit past projects for corruption. The President had also stated that no one, including his relatives, would be spared from these investigations.
## A Call for Continued Scrutiny
The leadership transition is seen by many as a necessary step to address the current challenges and restore public confidence. Malacañang has expressed its commitment to working constructively with Speaker Dy III to strengthen the economy and ensure basic services. However, members of the minority bloc have cautioned that a change in leadership alone is insufficient and that genuine accountability, including possible blacklisting, dismissal, and jail time for those involved, is what the public truly demands. The coming weeks will be crucial as Speaker Dy III navigates these complex issues and works to uphold the integrity and mandate of the House of Representatives. The nation is watching now as this political development unfolds, seeking transparency and justice in governance. The path forward for the Philippine Congress hinges on its ability to decisively address the controversies and rebuild public trust. This news underscores the persistent demand for good governance in the country.
