The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution commending former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez of Leyte for what members described as distinguished and transformative leadership that strengthened lawmaking, even as he voluntarily relinquished the speakership to allow an independent investigation to proceed freely.
House Resolution (HR) 287 notes that under Romualdez’s ‘‘competent and prudent leadership,’’ the chamber achieved unprecedented legislative productivity, acting on 13,971 measures, approving 1,597 and turning more than 350 into laws during the 19th Congress. This, the measure said, set ‘‘a new standard for efficiency and purpose in Philippine legislative history.’’
The resolution was introduced by newly-elected Speaker Faustino Dy III, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, House Minority Leader Marcelino C. Libanan, Senior Deputy Speaker David Suarez, and several deputy speakers.
Colleagues lauded Romualdez for bridging political divides and generations, fostering collegiality, and ensuring the House remained responsive to the needs of Filipinos.
It highlighted Romualdez’s role in shepherding into law key priority measures such as the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, the Maharlika Investment Fund Act of 2023, the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, and the Ease of Paying Taxes Act. The resolution also cited his commitment to accountability, noting investigations into agricultural smuggling, irregular power costs, and misuse of public funds.
Lawmakers emphasized that Romualdez stepped down not due to any wrongdoing but to allow transparency and accountability to prevail. ‘‘This was a conscious act to preserve the trust of the people and to strengthen democratic institutions,’’ the measure said.
The chamber also recognized his efforts in parliamentary diplomacy, including engagements with U.S. congressional leaders that supported President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official visit to Washington, opening opportunities for cooperation and investment between the Philippines and the United States.
The resolution described Romualdez as an ‘‘architect of consensus’’ whose leadership was anchored in foresight, inclusivity, and constructive dialogue.
His tenure, it added, would be remembered as “a period of decisive action, transformative legislation, and unwavering commitment to national progress.’’
Meanwhile, the Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP) lauded Romualdez’s resignation, calling it a ‘‘noble act’’ that helps restore Congress’s credibility amid allegations of questionable public works projects.
‘‘We are lauding his action, which is very noble. It is a credible act in an effort to protect the House’s credibility following allegations connecting him and other congressmen to questionable projects,’’ FOBAP president Robert Young said. He urged other government officials facing similar allegations to follow suit, stressing that maintaining integrity and public trust is their duty.
Young added that Romualdez’s decision has earned respect not only from constituents but also from the business community. FOBAP directors agreed the move demonstrated sacrifice and leadership. Young, who recalled Romualdez administering the oath of the association’s board of directors earlier this year, said the resignation resonated further within the group.
‘‘Somehow, this helps give comfort to foreign buyers now that the noble ex-Speaker resigned and allowed a clean investigation to proceed,’’ he said, while also noting that political stability remains crucial for investors amid infrastructure gaps, high labor and power costs, and persistent political noise.
