Dy replaces Romualdez as House Speaker

Isabela’s lawmaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy was elected as the new House Speaker of the 20th Congress, replacing Leyte’s Martin Romualdez on September 17.

Photo Courtesy of Bombo Radyo Bacolod/Rappler

Following Romualdez’s resignation, the Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan proclaimed Dy’s seat from 253 votes, while 28 abstained and 4 did not vote from over 300 members of the House of Representatives.

Dy served as Isabela’s vice governor for two terms from 2019 to 2025 before returning as congressman, and was initially elected as House Speaker

In his first speech after the election, he vowed to bring change, desiring to cooperate with executives amidst the challenges that might admittedly affect his name and position. 

“I will not defend the guilty. I will not shield the corrupt,” he said. 

He urged the chambers to take accountability for any exploitations involving, especially those tagged in the alleged kickback scheme and budget insertions, allowing themselves a proper forum for discussions. 

It was remembered that the former House Speaker stepped down amid allegations of corruption, and the national budget was tied to flood control projects and insertions in the budget. 

On the other hand, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero was among those who congratulated, emphasizing the urgency for leadership transformation. 

“This transition, however, should not distract us from the unresolved issues surrounding past budgets and infrastructure anomalies. Leadership changes must lead to institutional reform, not selective amnesia,” he said in an online press release.