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Jose Rodel Clapano - The Philippine Star
May 18, 2025 | 12:00am
This photo shows House Speaker Martin Romualdez at the 33rd Biennial Convention of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. in Manila Hotel, March 24, 2023.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — House Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. Jay-Jay Suarez affirmed yesterday that the question of House leadership in the incoming 20th Congress is already settled, asserting that Speaker Martin Romualdez enjoys the backing of a “supermajority,” with at least 240 lawmakers – more than two-thirds of the 315 elected congressmen – signing a manifesto of support.
“This is already a supermajority,” said Suarez, who also serves as treasurer of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), describing the figure as a clear vote of confidence in Romualdez’s leadership and legislative performance.
“Tapos na (That’s it). The Speaker has the numbers,” Suarez said. “As of Saturday afternoon, no less than 240 members have already signed the manifesto of support – and that number keeps climbing.”
“This is not just about party politics. It’s about unity, output and trust in the Speaker’s steady hand and principled leadership,” he added.
Suarez emphasized that the support transcends party lines, citing the initiative’s backing from lawmakers across all major blocs – including Lakas-CMD, National Unity Party, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Nacionalista Party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc.
He added that this reflects the Speaker’s ability to unify a diverse legislative body.
“Speaker Romualdez has shown calm yet decisive leadership. He’s open to all, but never unclear in direction,” Suarez said. “He has kept the House focused on performance, not partisanship.”
The overwhelming show of support, Suarez said, demonstrates the lawmakers’ desire to continue the legislative momentum of the 19th Congress under Romualdez, who he said has championed transparency, timely budgeting and vital reforms.
“His record speaks for itself: two national budgets passed on time, responsive legislation during national crises and economic measures that position our country for sustained growth,” Suarez emphasized.
He also described Romualdez as the strongest and most reliable ally of President Marcos in Congress, pushing forward the administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda through results-driven governance.
Although no formal public ceremony has been scheduled, a full declaration of support is expected before the 20th Congress opens in July.
“With this kind of broad support, any attempt to challenge the Speaker’s leadership is simply unrealistic,” Suarez said.
“The House wants stability and progress, and Speaker Romualdez delivers both,” he added.
