291 lawmakers back Romualdez speakership bid

A total of 291 lawmakers have signed a manifesto supporting Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez's speakership bid in the 20th Congress, representing 92% of House members.

Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin stated that this overwhelming support virtually guarantees Romualdez's leadership.

Former President and Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will not seek the speakership and has signed the manifesto of support for Romualdez.

Arroyo and Davao Occidental Rep. Claude Bautista are known to be affiliated with Vice President Sara Duterte, with Arroyo being the vice president's mentor.

Romualdez, who also served as the 19th Congress's Speaker, is the first cousin of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and intends to retain the top spot.

Duterte had a falling out with the administration after running together with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. - with Romualdez as his campaign manager - in the 2022 presidential race.