Romualdez secures 291 lawmaker endorsements for speaker

A total of 291 lawmakers have signed a manifesto expressing support for Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as speaker in the upcoming 20th Congress.

Among those endorsing Romualdez are former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Davao Occidental Representative Claude Bautista, and Malasakit Party List representative; highlighting his broad support across different affiliations within Congress.

Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin provided media with the list of signatories on Thursday, noting that Romualdez's unifying role among various blocs is evident given the overwhelming number of endorsements.

With over 300 members in the House, this near-unanimous support signals a supermajority backing for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s cousin.

Traditional opposition members who had expressed interest in joining the minority also did not support Romualdez, further emphasizing his wide-ranging support.

Romualdez has outlined legislative priorities aimed at curbing inflation and boosting economic growth, including measures to improve job quality and reduce underemployment.

The 20th Congress will convene on July 28, with elections for key leadership posts scheduled earlier in the day ahead of President Marcos's annual State of the Nation Address (SONA).