3 congressmen abstain from voting for Romualdez as House Speaker

Three congressmen—Reps. Toby Tiangco, Duke Frasco, and Albee Benitez—abstained from voting for reelected House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday, July 28.

While Tiangco and Benitez declared themselves independent legislators, Frasco emphasized his strong support for President Marcos Jr.'s administration despite his abstention.

Tiangco cited controversies surrounding the 2025 national budget as reasons for his abstention, emphasizing the need for transparency in future budget deliberations.

Benitez expressed concern over Romualdez's leadership and its impact on uniting the nation under President Marcos Jr.'s administration.

The record-high number of 34 abstentions signals growing divisions within the ruling coalition and a rise in independent blocs in the new Congress.

Both Tiangco and Benitez indicated that they still support the Marcos administration but are not aligned with the current House leadership, suggesting potential future independence from both majority and minority blocs.