House Members Speak on Martin Romualdez’s Resignation as Speaker
Martin Romualdez’s resignation as House Speaker was referred to as a sacrifice for the country by Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun.
On Tuesday eve, countless Filipinos were left puzzled by the speculations about a looming change of leadership in the House of Representatives. Personnel of the chamber were spotted bringing out the things of House Speaker Romualdez including his nameplate out from the Office of the House Speaker.
Antipolo City 1st District Representative Ronaldo Puno cleared the speculations with a confirmation that House Speaker Martin Romualdez has decided to resign from his position. His decision came amid the accusations linking him to the flood control mess in the country now.
Puno claimed that Romualdez called for a meeting yesterday and informed the House leaders that he is stepping down from his position. According to the Antipolo Representative, they tried to convince the Speaker to remain in his position but he believes that the accusations are heavy and the institution’s reputation is at stake.
The name of the House Speaker was dragged into the issue following a Senate flood probe wherein controversial contractors accused him of allegedly getting a 30% kickback from flood control projects. The contractors, Pacifico and Sarah Discaya, made their claim through a joint affidavit that was read by Mr. Discaya during a Senate flood hearing.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez immediately cleared his name following the accusation of the Discayas linking him to the flood control issue in the country. According to the House Speaker, he is “self-made” and he does not need and will not allow himself to be corrupted by the money that are not his.
Amid the allegations against the House Speaker, several members of the lower chamber stressed that they are “solid” and “there’s no change in leadership”. Thus, countless Filipinos were surprised by the recent changes. Recently, House Deputy Speaker and Zambales Rep. Jhay Khonghun spoke on House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s resignation from the top post in the chamber.
Based on a post of News5 on social media, House Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun claimed that Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has long been thinking about resigning from being the House Speaker. According to the Zambales Congressman, Romualdez’s concern is the House of Representatives.
“Nakikita rin niya na masyado nang tinatamaan ‘yung House, ‘yung institution,” Khonghun said.
Furthermore, House Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun also expressed that with Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez’s resignation from being the House Speaker, he now has the time to answer the intrigues against him and face the accusations. Based on the post, the Zambales Congressman referred to Romualdez’s decision as a “sacrifice” for the chamber and the country.
“Mas magkakaroon siya ng oras na harapin ‘yung mga accusations, mas magkakaroon siya ng panahon para sagutin ‘yung mga intriga. ‘Yun ‘yung isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit pinili niyang magsakripisyo para rin sa institusyon at para sa bansa,” the House Deputy Speaker said.
The Senate also recently had a change of leadership. Senator Chiz Escudero was ousted and replaced with now-Senate Pres. Tito Sotto. However, amid the flood control mess, there were accusations that Sotto is allegedly under Romualdez.
Recently, a confrontation took place in the Senate. Minority Sen. Bato dela Rosa told Senate Pres. Tito Sotto that him being tagged as under House Speaker Martin Romualdez pains him.