The 20th Congress opened with Rep. Martin Romualdez reelected as House Speaker and Sen. Chiz Escudero retaining the Senate presidency.
The 20th Congress convened its first regular session Monday with the reelection of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as Speaker of the House and Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero as Senate president, underscoring entrenched leadership in both chambers amid a backdrop of shifting political allegiances and renewed calls for reform.
Romualdez, who served as Speaker throughout the 19th Congress, was reelected with 269 votes. Thirty-four lawmakers abstained, reflecting a noticeable swell in opposition.
The vote ended weeks of speculation that some members of the House were maneuvering to unseat him. Among those rumored to be considering a challenge were Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, and Cebu 5th District Rep. Vincent Franco Frasco.
None confirmed intentions to run. Frasco, who declined to sign a manifesto of support for Romualdez, said he believes the House needs “unifying leadership.” Tiangco expressed interest in leading the committee on appropriations, while Rep. Janette Garin noted that Benitez’s son, Rep. Javi Benitez, had in fact signed the manifesto supporting Romualdez.
Romualdez’s leadership during the 19th Congress saw the filing of 11,557 bills and 2,393 resolutions, with 1,565 measures passed into law. He said he expects even greater productivity in the 20th Congress with the entry of new lawmakers.
READ: Romualdez retains House speakership in 20th Congress
Still, his reelection triggered a reshuffling of political alignments.
