Three lawmakers from Bohol province joined an overwhelming majority in unanimously electing Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as Speaker when the 20th Congress opened its first regular session Monday, July 28, 2025 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
The Bohol delegation comprised first-term Representative John Geesnell “Baba” Yap (1st District), second-term Representative Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado (2nd District), and Representative Kristine Alexie Besas-Tutor (3rd District), all of whom cast their votes in favor of the incumbent speaker.
Romualdez secured a commanding 269 votes from the House membership, according to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, while 34 lawmakers abstained from the proceedings.
No opposition candidate was fielded, making the election effectively uncontested and demonstrating the wide coalition support that Romualdez continues to enjoy across party lines.
The seamless re-election marks Romualdez’s second consecutive term as House Speaker, having previously led the lower chamber throughout the 19th Congress. His continued leadership ensures institutional continuity as the legislative body embarks on its new three-year mandate under the Marcos administration, reports said.
In his acceptance speech following the vote, Romualdez outlined his legislative priorities for the 20th Congress, pledging to advance measures that would sustain the country’s economic recovery, strengthen peace and security initiatives, and fully support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s comprehensive development agenda.
He cited the House’s commitment to passing legislation that would benefit ordinary Filipinos and drive national progress.
The Speaker’s nomination drew support from several major political blocs, including the influential Party-list Coalition and the ruling Lakas-CMD party.
Representatives Aumentado and Tutor, both Lakas-CMD members, represent the party’s strong presence in Bohol politics and their support reveals the provincial delegation’s alignment with the administration’s legislative program.
Romualdez, who is President Marcos Jr.’s cousin and a longtime political ally, has been instrumental in advancing the administration’s top legislative priorities during his previous tenure, according to news reports.