Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (left) and Isabela Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, photographed in their official portraits as members of the 20th Congress. – Photo credit: House of Representatives of the Philippines
The leadership of the Philippine House shifted on September 17, 2025, as Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez gave up the speakership and lawmakers swiftly elevated Isabela Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III as his successor.
Romualdez resigns, Dy elected in swift succession
Romualdez, who had held the speakership since July 2022, stepped down citing the need for unity and stability in the chamber. On the same day, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to elect Dy as the 29th Speaker of the House, completing a rapid and orderly transition of power.
Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno had earlier confirmed Romualdez’s plan to resign and publicly endorsed Dy, describing him as a leader who could restore harmony in the House. Malacañang later issued a statement recognizing the independence of Congress and acknowledging Dy’s election.
Who is Martin Romualdez?
Romualdez, 61, remains in national politics as representative of Leyte’s 1st District, a seat he continues to hold despite leaving the speakership. A lawyer by profession, he is the son of the late Benjamin “Kokoy” Romualdez, former Leyte governor and ambassador, and the younger brother of former First Lady Imelda Marcos. This makes him the first cousin of both President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Senator Imee Marcos, a family tie that has profoundly shaped his political trajectory.
For years, Romualdez has been regarded as one of the most powerful figures in Congress and a possible contender in the 2028 presidential elections. His resignation marks the end of his tenure as Speaker but not of his political influence.
A close ally of Marcos
Romualdez’s leadership was closely tied to his relationship with President Marcos Jr. Earlier this year, he accompanied the President during his official visit to Washington, D.C., where Marcos met with U.S. President Donald Trump to reaffirm defense and trade ties. As Speaker, Romualdez positioned himself as a key partner of the administration, ensuring the swift passage of Malacañang’s legislative priorities.
Their alliance extended beyond family ties. Romualdez’s stewardship of the House majority was often viewed as an extension of Marcos’ political strength, with the Speaker framing legislative support as a cornerstone of the administration’s stability. His resignation, however, underscored the delicate balance of maintaining unity within Congress while shielding the presidency from internal turbulence.
Family influence in Congress
The Romualdez family remains a formidable force. His wife, Yedda Marie Romualdez, sits in the House as representative of the Tingog Party-list withtheir son, Andrew Julian Romualdez. Together, they form a political bloc that ensures Martin Romualdez’s continued influence in legislative affairs.
Who is Faustino “Bojie” Dy III?
Dy, who emerged as the chamber’s consensus choice, is a veteran politician from Isabela. Before entering Congress in 2019, he served three terms as governor of Isabela, overseeing agricultural and infrastructure projects in the country’s second-largest province.
He belongs to the influential Dy political clan, with his father, Faustino Dy Jr., and grandfather, Faustino Dy Sr., both serving as governors before him. Known as a pragmatic consensus-builder, Dy rose to Deputy Speaker before being elevated to the House’s top post.
Shifts in power and policy
The leadership change underscores both continuity and recalibration. Romualdez, though stepping down as Speaker, remains a central figure in Philippine politics, bolstered by his congressional seat, family ties, and influence within the majority. Dy’s election signals a shift in tone, as lawmakers look to restore order and pursue critical economic and oversight legislation under new leadership.
