House Speaker Romualdez resigns amid kickback allegations

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez resigned from his post on Wednesday, September 17, amid allegations of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects, which he denies.

Romualdez stated his resignation was a voluntary and noble gesture to preserve the House's reputation and support the President, particularly after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirmed that the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) would spare no one, including Romualdez.

The President's public statement on Monday, September 15, distancing himself from his cousin, made it clear that Romualdez had worn out his welcome.

Following the President's remarks, Romualdez met with the President behind closed doors, a meeting later confirmed by the Palace spokesperson.

Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte questioned the resignation, calling it a cover-up, and criticized the election of Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy III as the new speaker, suggesting it was influenced by Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.

Sandro Marcos, son of the President, rebuked Duterte's statements, attributing them to his absences from House sessions.

The government is investigating anomalous flood control projects nationwide involving corrupt contractors, engineers, and state officials.

Deputy Speaker Janette Garin revealed that Romualdez had asked Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co to return home to face accusations of receiving kickbacks, but Co was unable to return due to a health condition.

Garin suggested Co's failure to return may have been one reason for Romualdez's resignation, as he did not want to drag the House into controversy.

Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy III was elected by 253 members to replace Romualdez as speaker, and Malacañang welcomed Romualdez's decision, stressing he would not be spared from investigation.