Romualdez’s Momentum Surges: 285 Lawmakers and Counting Back His Speakership Bid in 20th Congress

With the numbers rapidly swelling and political momentum clearly on his side, Leyte Representative and incumbent Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez appears poised to retain his speakership in the 20th Congress, bolstered by the overwhelming and growing support of his colleagues across party lines.

MANILA, Philippines — In a resounding endorsement of legislative continuity and stability, House Deputy Speaker and Quezon Representative David Suarez announced that 285 members of the House of Representatives have now expressed their support for Romualdez’s continued leadership—an uptick from the 278 backing him just last week.

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“As of today, 285 House members have expressed support for Speaker Romualdez, with 278 lawmakers having already signed formal declarations—including four out of six members of the Liberal Party (LP) who are now part of the larger movement for legislative continuity and national stability,” Suarez declared.

This broad-based show of allegiance marks a formidable consolidation of power and unity in the lower chamber, with Romualdez attracting support not just from traditional allies but also from across the ideological and political spectrum. Suarez described it as “a political groundswell,” signaling a chamber coalescing around a shared vision of governance under Romualdez’s helm.

A Unifying Force Amid a Pivotal Presidency

Romualdez’s surge in support comes at a critical juncture in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, which is now entering its crucial second half. As Speaker, Romualdez has played a central role in fast-tracking priority bills and ensuring that the House aligns with the Chief Executive’s legislative roadmap.

“Speaker Romualdez has earned the trust of the current and incoming members of the House through principled, results-oriented leadership,” Suarez emphasized. “He is heeding the President’s call for outcomes-driven governance, as demonstrated by the House’s swift approval of the majority of the administration’s priority measures.”

Romualdez’s leadership has proven effective not just in shepherding legislation but also in building bridges across party lines. The coalition backing his speakership now includes a supermajority composed of major political parties and blocs: Lakas-CMD, Nacionalista Party (NP), National Unity Party (NUP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI), and even members of the Liberal Party (LP)—once the ruling party and now part of a widening circle rallying behind Romualdez.

Stability Through Consensus

Observers note that the Speaker’s ability to unite such a diverse assembly of political actors is a reflection not just of strategic coalition-building but of credible leadership.

“Leadership in the House is about bringing people together to pass meaningful laws. Speaker Romualdez has done that, time and again,” Suarez asserted. “The unity we now see among House members reflects a collective commitment to stability, progress, and responsible governance under his stewardship.”

The House of Representatives, composed of 315 members—including 63 from party-list groups—has become a barometer of political temperature in the country. That 285 of them now back Romualdez speaks volumes about his ability to marshal support and guide the legislative branch with both vision and tact.

Looking Ahead: Continuity and Cohesion

While formal proceedings for the speakership election in the 20th Congress are still months away, the current political climate paints a near-inevitable picture: Romualdez remains the consensus choice to lead the House.

His track record over the past legislative years—marked by quick action on economic reform bills, social justice measures, and support for the Marcos administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” blueprint—has resonated deeply among lawmakers.

Analysts say the sheer breadth of support—from veteran politicians to rising stars in the chamber, from regional blocs to national coalitions—suggests that the House, under Romualdez, is ready to advance legislation with renewed purpose and unity.

In a political landscape often fraught with division and rivalry, Romualdez has emerged not just as a survivor—but as a statesman leading with stability, inclusivity, and resolve.

As Suarez aptly put it: “What we are witnessing is no longer just a campaign for speakership—it is a collective movement for continuity, progress, and a House that works for every Filipino.”

With 285 and counting, the numbers are clear—and so is the message.

POLITICAL ANALYST: Romualdez’s Speakership Secured: A Show of Cross-Party Unity or Strategic Political Calculation?

The upcoming 20th Congress will see Martin Romualdez retain his position as Speaker of the House, a development solidified by the unprecedented show of support from 285 congressmen. This commanding majority, including a surprising number of representatives from the traditionally opposition Liberal Party (LP), paints a picture of remarkable political unity—or so it seems. While Deputy Speaker Jay-Jay Suarez frames this as a testament to Romualdez’s leadership and a commitment to national stability, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced reality, one potentially driven by strategic political maneuvering rather than pure ideological alignment.

Suarez’s statement, highlighting the 278 formal declarations of support and the inclusion of LP members, emphasizes a “political groundswell cutting across the entire spectrum.” This narrative of bipartisan consensus, however, requires critical scrutiny. The LP’s participation, while noteworthy, must be analyzed within the context of its diminished political power and the potential benefits of aligning with the ruling coalition. The decision of some LP members to support Romualdez might be less about a sudden embrace of his leadership style and more about securing access to resources and influence within the administration.

The timing is also significant. The 20th Congress coincides with the final half of President Marcos’ term, a period where legislative cooperation with the executive branch is crucial for the success of the administration’s agenda. This inherent incentive for collaboration might overshadow ideological differences, leading to a pragmatic alliance rather than a genuine cross-party consensus. The swift approval of priority measures aligned with the President’s legislative agenda, cited by Suarez as evidence of Romualdez’s effective leadership, can be interpreted as a demonstration of this pragmatic cooperation.

The supermajority bloc, encompassing parties like Lakas-CMD, NP, NUP, NPC, PFP, and PCFI, alongside the now-participating LP, represents a formidable force within the House. This consolidated power, however, raises concerns about the potential marginalization of dissenting voices and the ability of the opposition to effectively challenge the administration’s policies. While Suarez emphasizes the importance of “meaningful laws” and “responsible governance,” the dominance of the pro-Romualdez bloc necessitates a watchful eye on the potential for legislative gridlock or the suppression of alternative perspectives.

While the overwhelming support for Romualdez undeniably secures his Speakership, the underlying motivations remain complex and require further analysis. The narrative of cross-party unity, though compelling, should not overshadow the potential for strategic political calculations and the inherent power dynamics at play. The coming months will reveal whether this apparent unity translates into effective and inclusive governance or serves primarily as a tool for consolidating power within the House. The true test of Romualdez’s leadership will lie not in securing his position, but in his ability to navigate the complexities of the 20th Congress and ensure that diverse voices are heard and considered in the legislative process.