Martin Romualdez is new House speaker


MANILA, Philippines – Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez is the next House speaker.

Romualdez, cousin of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., was elected by his colleagues on Monday, July 25, as the House of Representatives formally opened its first regular session for the 19th Congress.

Rep. Martin Romualdez takes his oath as the Speaker of the 19th Congress. Tarlac Rep. Jaime Cojuangco, the youngest member of the House, administered the oath.

An overwhelming majority of 283 members of the House of Representatives voted for Romualdez as the new House Speaker.

Meanwhile, former President and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. was elected senior deputy speaker.

Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab, Antipolo City 1st District Rep. Roberto Puno, Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, Ilocos Sur 2nd District Rep. Kristine Singson Meehan, and TUCP Partylist Rep. Raymond Mendoza were elected deputy speakers.

Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Raymond Mendoza will serve as the House majority leader of the 19th Congress.

Earlier, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri was elected as Senate president.

Both Romualdez and Zubiri will welcome Marcos in his first SONA today.

— The Summit Express