Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez Steps Down from House Speakership
MARTIN ROMUALDEZ – The former House Speaker spoke on his decision to resign from the top position in the House of Representatives amid flood control corruption accusations against him.
Countless Filipinos were left puzzled last Tuesday night when the things of then-Speaker Romualdez were spotted being taken out from the Office of the House Speaker. His nameplate was one of the pieces of stuff that were spotted.
Not long after the rumors and speculations crossed the surface, Antipolo City 1st District Representative Ronaldo Puno confirmed that House Speaker Martin Romualdez has informed them that he will resign from his post. According to Puno, the then-House Speaker has called for a meeting to inform them about his decision.
The decision of Romualdez came amid the accusations of flood control corruptions against him. The Leyte Representative is one of the congressmen named by controversial contractors Pacifico and Sarah Discaya during their testimony in the Senate.
Pacifico and Sarah Discaya who are undeniably the most popular among the controversial contractors flagged by Pres. Bongbong Marcos admitted that they joined the alleged “system” of giving kickback from the flood control projects awarded to their companies.
The Discaya couple named Quezon City Congressman Arjo Atayde, Pasig Cong. Roman Romulo, Marikina Cong. Marcy Teodoro, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co in their accusations. They also name-dropped several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The House Speaker was quick to deny the allegations. The camp of Martin Romualdez also cited the later claim of Mr. Pacifico Discaya that he had no direct transactions with the Speaker. Amid the accusations, Romualdez resigned from his position.
“The longer I stay, the heavier that burden grows on me, on this house, and on the President I’ve always sought to support. And so, after deep reflection and prayer, I have made a decision today, with a full heart and a clear conscience, I tender my resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Romualdez said as he announced his resignation during a session.
Based on a report on Inquirer, the former House Speaker stressed that he is stepping down from his position so the Independent Commission for Infrastructure can conduct their mandate “freely and fully, without doubt, without interference, without undue influence”.
Romualdez further expressed that the Filipino people are seeking for clarity and trust. According to him, it is his duty to bring it back. Based on the report, he stressed that his resignation is not about surrendering but about commitment to serve.
“I leave this chamber as I first entered it: a humble servant ready to serve wherever duty may call. I step down not in surrender but in service. For sometimes, the greatest act of leadership is the grace to let it go. So that this institution may endure stronger than ever before,” the former House Speaker said.
The House of Representatives’ leadership is now with House Speaker Bojie Dy who was endorsed by Romualdez. Amid his resignation, rumors that Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez allegedly owns 12 houses in Forbes circulate online.