Negros Island Region Lawmakers Rally Behind House Speaker Romualdez

The majority of congressmen representing the Negros Island Region (NIR) have publicly declared their unwavering support for House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. On Monday, September 15, nine of the 11 representatives in the region issued a manifesto affirming their confidence in Romualdez's leadership amid speculations that Bacolod City lone district Rep. Albee Benitez has ambitions for the House Speaker post.

"We, the representatives of the [NIR], stand firmly behind Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez," the statement read, underscoring the significance of the NIR's creation as more than just legislation but a promise to the communities of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

The manifesto highlighted that Romualdez has demonstrated himself not only as the House leader but also as a responsive partner to regional concerns. It praised his efforts to ensure that the voices of the Negros Island Region are acknowledged at the national level.

Signatories of the declaration include Negros Occidental 1st district Rep. Julio Ledesma IV, 2nd district Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, 4th district Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, and 5th district Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo, along with Negros Oriental representatives 1st district Rep. Emmanuel Iway, 2nd district Rep. Isabel Sagarbarria, 3rd district Rep. Janice Degamo, and Siquijor lone district Rep. Zaldy Villa.

Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer revealed that Negros Occidental 6th district Rep. Mercedes Alvarez is poised to add her signature, potentially increasing the bloc's support to ten members.

The only congressmen not explicitly endorsing Romualdez are Bacolod City lone district Rep. Albee Benitez and Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez.

The manifesto stressed the critical nature of stable leadership for the fledgling region's development, stating, "Our work as the newest region has only just begun. We cannot afford uncertainty or distraction."

It further expressed confidence that Romualdez's stewardship would translate the region's legislative foundation into tangible improvements, such as enhanced infrastructure, stronger governance, and inclusive opportunities for all communities within the islands.

Concluding the statement, the representatives affirmed, "With one voice, we affirm: Speaker Romualdez at the helm means that the NIR can rise with confidence, and the Filipino people can look to the House of Representatives as a true partner in building a stronger nation."

Romualdez serves as the representative for Leyte’s 1st district and presides over the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party.