Romualdez resigns as House Speaker amid scrutiny of infrastructure projects

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez stepped down from his post on September 17 citing the need to uphold accountability and allow an independent probe into controversial infrastructure projects.

Photo Courtesy of Manila Times/Rappler

“Today, with a full heart and a clear conscience, I tender my resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Romualdez declared.

He said stepping down would ensure that the Independent Commission on Infrastructure could carry out its mandate “without doubt, without interference, and without undue influence.”

“Walang pipigil. Walang makikialam. Let the truth emerge, and let justice be done,” he said.

Romualdez acknowledged that the allegations tied to infrastructure projects have placed a burden not only on himself but on the entire institution.

“Ang ating mga kababayan ay naghahangad ng linaw, at higit sa lahat, ng tiwala. Tungkulin nating ito’y maibalik,” he said.

The Leyte representative emphasized that his decision was not an act of defeat but of leadership.

“I step down not in surrender, but in service — for sometimes, the greatest act of leadership is the grace to let go, so that this institution may endure stronger than before,” he told lawmakers and the public.

Romualdez’s resignation comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his recent State of the Nation Address, where accountability must prevail and that no one is above scrutiny.

Deputy Speaker and Isabela Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III is poised to take over the speakership.