Despite securing a “supermajority” in his re-election as House Speaker, cracks are beginning to show in the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Representatives Toby Tiangco (Navotas, Lone District), Albee Benitez (Bacolod, Lone District), and Duke Frasco (Cebu Province, 5th District) abstained from voting for Romualdez during the opening session of the 20th Congress on Monday, July 28.
The three lawmakers were previously rumored to be exploring a challenge to Romualdez’s hold on the speakership.
For Tiangco, the tipping point was the alleged irregular insertions in the 2025 national budget.
“Dahil sa nangyari sa 2025 national budget, hindi ko na kayang suportahan ang liderato sa House of Representatives. Hindi na ito dapat mangyari ulit,” Tiangco said in his statement. He added that he is prepared to scrutinize the House’s proposed 2026 national budget.
Benitez, meanwhile, said he could not support a leader who he claimed has “brought down” the image of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the public eye.
“Congress has been plagued by controversies involving questionable budget allocations, politicized relief, and selfish power plays — all of which have contributed to distrust, disunity, and dysfunction,” Benitez said. He stressed the need for House leadership capable of uniting the nation.
Frasco also underscored his desire for leadership in the House that can restore public trust in the institution.
Tiangco, Benitez, and Frasco join the growing list of lawmakers who did not cast their vote for Romualdez.
Earlier, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, Davao City 2nd District Rep. Omar Duterte, and PPP party-list Rep. Harold Duterte — relatives of the Duterte family, political rivals of the Marcos-Romualdez bloc — also withheld their support for the Speaker.