By MANILA, Philippines — After months of rumors about a shake-up in the House of Representatives’ leadership, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has formally stepped down from his post, paving the way for a new leader in the chamber.
During the plenary session at 3:23 p.m. on Wednesday, Romualdez announced that he is relinquishing the speakership, According to Romualdez, the longer he stays in position, the heavier is the burden for the House to regain the people’s trust.
“Ang ating mga kababayan ay naghahangad ng linaw, at higit sa lahat, ng tiwala. Tungkulin nating ito’y maibalik. (Our citizens are looking for clarity, at most of all – trust. It is our duty to bring it back.) The longer I stay, the heavier that burden grows — on me, on this House, and on the president I have always sought to support,” Romualdez said. “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,” he declared.
