Romualdez accepts speakership, commits to transparent leadership

REELECTED Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday formally accepted the speakership of the House of Representatives at the opening of the 20th Congress, reaffirming his commitment to transparent leadership and a legislative agenda grounded in both constitutional duty and moral responsibility.

With the full backing of the majority coalition and votes totaling 269, Speaker Romualdez said he carries his renewed mandate with humility and a strong sense of responsibility.

“With humility in my heart and a deep sense of duty, I rise today to accept the renewed trust you have given me to serve once again as Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Speaker Romualdez said in his address before colleagues and invited guests at the plenary hall.

“Ang tiwala ay hindi gantimpala, kundi panibagong hamon. At bawat hamon ay pagkakataon para maglingkod nang mas tapat, mas totoo, at mas buo,” he added.

Speaker Romualdez also addressed the chamber with a message of resolve and constitutional clarity, utilizing the opportunity to highlight accountability in public office and responding to the Supreme Court’s ruling dismissing the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Positioning the legislature as a co-equal branch of government with a defined mandate under the Constitution, Speaker Romualdez underscored the House’s exclusive power to initiate impeachment proceedings.

“And today, as we formally begin this new chapter, we do so amid a development that once again calls us to reflect on our sacred constitutional duty — the Supreme Court’s decision on the impeachment case filed against the Vice President,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“Let me say this with the utmost respect: The Supreme Court has spoken, and we recognize its decision. But let it never be said that the House of the People bowed in silence,” Speaker Romualdez said.

He reiterated the fundamental role of Congress in matters of accountability and reinforced the constitutional boundary between branches of government.

“At the same time, we draw a line: the power to initiate impeachment is the exclusive domain of this Chamber. It flows from the people’s will and rests solely on the clear language of the Constitution. It is neither granted nor guided by any outside institution. The Court may close a case, but it cannot close a cause. The pursuit of accountability is not a moment — it is a mandate,” Speaker Romualdez continued.

Speaker Romualdez made clear that the House’s actions are driven not by politics, but by principles.

He affirmed that the chamber’s integrity would not be compromised by external pressures, and that it would continue to safeguard its independence in the face of controversy.

“We are not moved by personalities, but by principles. We are not driven by vendetta, but by vigilance. Our goal has never been to destroy — only to demand the truth. When institutions falter, the House of the People always stands firm. When others fear the storm, your House holds the line. And as your Speaker, I will be here — not just to preside, but to protect,” he stressed.

Ending on a tone of determination and guardianship, Speaker Romualdez emphasized that the chamber would remain steadfast through any institutional storm.

He likened his role to that of a father watching over his household, pledging to stand firm with his colleagues through whatever lies ahead.

“Hindi ko kayo iiwan sa gitna ng unos. Gaya ng ama ng tahanan na hindi natutulog kapag may bagyong papasok, babantayan ko ang ating Kapulungan. Sisiguraduhin kong walang bubong ang babagsak, walang pader ang magigiba, at walang miyembro ang mapapabayaan,” he stated.

“‘Kahit anong bagyo at baha, hindi tayo susuko. Titindig tayo at hindi panghihinaan ng loob. Kasama ninyo ako sa pagsalubong ng bagong araw,” Speaker Romualdez said.

He emphasized the importance of accountability in public service, taking note of the constitutional mandate of the House of Representatives to be the true representatives of the people.

“Our work as legislators is both constitutional and moral. It is through the laws we pass — and the accountability we uphold — that we protect rights, promote equity and shape the future of our democracy,” Speaker Romualdez stressed.

“Bawat batas na ating ipinapasa ay salamin ng pangarap ng bawat Pilipino—mula sa estudyanteng nangangarap, sa manggagawang lumalaban, hanggang sa pamilyang patuloy na umaasa.”

Speaker Romualdez thanked his colleagues in the chamber for their confidence and unity, acknowledging those who held differing views, noting that respectful disagreement is vital to a functioning democracy.

“To all my colleagues—thank you for your continued support and your unwavering commitment to public service. To those who have offered different views, I thank you as well. Your voices enrich our debates and strengthen our democracy. It is in this respectful exchange of ideas that we discover enduring, just, and effective solutions,” the Speaker stated.

“Hindi kailanman kahinaan ang pagkakaiba ng opinyon. Sa Kongresong may respeto, ito’y pinagmumulan ng talino, tapang, at tunay na pagbabago,” he added.

Speaker Romualdez also pledged that the House under his leadership will act with competence and integrity.

“As your Speaker, I reaffirm our shared commitment: to be a House that is transparent in conduct, firm in principle, and always responsive to the needs of our people. We shall lead with competence, legislate with compassion, and govern with integrity,” he underscored.

Speaker Romualdez also thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. for continuing to trust the chamber’s leadership.

“I thank His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., for his continued trust and confidence in the leadership of this Chamber. The House of Representatives stands ready to be your reliable partner in building a Bagong Pilipinas—a nation that is inclusive, resilient, and grounded in justice and opportunity,” he noted.

The Leyte legislator then directed his message to the Filipino people.

“And to our beloved Filipino people: you are not just our mandate. You are our mission. You are the reason we are here,” he said.