A former lawmaker from Mindanao praised ex-Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for stepping down from his post to protect the integrity of the House of Representatives and allow the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to freely investigate alleged anomalies in government projects.
Former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Romualdez’s chief communications officer, said the move showed Romualdez is not “kapit tuko” or clinging to power.
“Sa kanyang boluntaryong pagbibitiw, labis akong napahanga sa pagkatao ng ating Speaker sapagkat ito’y isang pagpapatunay na di sya kapit tuko sa kanyang posisyon at handa siyang magsakripisyo huwag lamang masira ang respeto at integridad ng House of Representatives bilang institution, kabilang na ang mga kasapi nito,” Barbers said.
He recalled that senior House leaders had earlier urged Romualdez to stay despite pressure from detractors.
In his farewell speech, Romualdez said he was resigning “with a full heart and a clear conscience” to ensure the ICI can fulfill its mandate “without doubt, without interference, and without undue influence.”
He added, “The longer I stay, the heavier that burden grows — on me, on this House, and on the President I have always sought to support. And so, after deep reflection and prayer, I have made the decision.”
Romualdez was succeeded by Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, a member of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.
