Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez appears to have solidified his hold on the speakership in the upcoming 20th Congress, with over 280 lawmakers reportedly pledging their support for his continued leadership.
Representatives Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur and Ernesto “Ernix” Dionisio Jr. of Manila, both members of the House “Young Guns” bloc, emphasized that Romualdez already commands overwhelming backing, even as whispers emerge of other potential contenders for the top House post.
Following the recent 2025 midterm elections, several names have surfaced as possible aspirants for the speakership, including Bacolod lone district Representative-elect Albee Benitez, Cebu 5th District Rep. Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco, and Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco.
However, during a press briefing on June 26, Adiong and Dionisio disclosed that 287 lawmakers have either formally signed a manifesto or declared verbal support for Romualdez’s bid to retain the speakership—signifying an overwhelming majority.
“These more than 200 lawmakers gave their support voluntarily and with full awareness. It reflects a clear consensus in favor of Speaker Romualdez,” Adiong said.
Dionisio echoed the sentiment, noting that while the final decision will be made by the House collectively, the numbers already suggest a decisive tilt in Romualdez’s favor.
“As of now, 283 have physically signed the manifesto and four more have verbally committed—this shows significant trust in his leadership,” he said.
He added, “While the formal selection will come in due time, this early show of unity illustrates that Speaker Romualdez enjoys the confidence of the vast majority of incoming House members.”
Romualdez, a key ally of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was elected House Speaker in 2022 at the start of the 19th Congress with near-unanimous support. He also leads the powerful Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), widely regarded as the country’s most dominant political party.
