Bojie Dy Bags Speakership, Replaces Romualdez — Critics Call Him “Romualdez Jr.

The House of Representatives has elected Isabela Representative Faustino “Bojie” Dy III as Speaker, replacing Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

Dy secured 253 votes in the plenary election held on Wednesday, September 17.

No one opposed, four did not cast their votes, and 28 abstained.

Following Dy’s election, Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice announced that the House minority bloc voted to retain 4Ps party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan as their leader.

The newly installed Speaker Faustino Dy III admitted that the House of Representatives had shortcomings and appealed to the public to allow them to correct mistakes and cleanse their ranks.

In his first speech after being elected, Dy promised to implement reforms, promote transparency, and adopt a people-first approach in governance.

“I will be the first to tell our fellow citizens: we have shortcomings. We humbly admit it. We are asking that you give us the chance to correct the wrong practices and to clean our ranks. Please give us the opportunity to regain your trust,” Dy said.

“It is clear to me that my foremost responsibility is to uphold our Constitution and put the welfare of the majority first. I will not allow anyone in the 20th Congress to use Congress for personal interests. It is time we focus on the needs of our people.

They are the reason we are here. Let us not forget. Let us prioritize them over self-interest,” he added.

Dy also called on his colleagues to unite in the mission and bring meaningful reforms to restore the credibility of the House.

“To my colleagues in Congress: we will only succeed if we unite in achieving this goal. I firmly believe that most of our members dream of and are ready to work honestly for the betterment of our country. I cannot do this alone. I need you. We all need each other,” Dy stressed.

Dy also expressed gratitude to Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez “for his generosity and cooperation in ensuring a smooth transition and achieving these significant goals.”

He also emphasized the urgent need to resolve the issues confronting the nation.

“The time is now. Not tomorrow. Not the next day. Together we rise. Together we act. Together we serve… In this new Congress, we will show true compassion. We will demonstrate genuine service that is fully focused on uplifting the lives of the Filipino people. No other agenda. No other interest. The welfare of the Filipino will be the beginning, middle, and end – nothing else,” he said.

“In all of this, we will not be judged by our words, but by our deeds. We will not be measured by our promises, but by our fulfillment. Together, let us advance a new Philippines – strong, honorable, and united!” Dy added.

Dy previously served as Vice Mayor and Mayor of Cauayan City before becoming the representative of Isabela’s 3rd District for three terms. He was elected governor in 2010 and, after three terms, became Vice Governor from 2019 to 2025. In the last election, he won as representative of Isabela’s 6th District.

Barely warming his seat, newly elected House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III immediately faced criticism after being called “Romualdez Jr.” by Cavite Representative Kiko Barzaga.

Barzaga shared a video of Dy’s Wednesday, September 17 speech on his Facebook page.

He captioned it: “Speech of New House Speaker Bojie ‘Romualdez Jr.’ Dy with Political Commentary of Congressman Kiko Barzaga.”

“A crocodile replaced by another crocodile,” one netizen sharply commented.“We will strike, we don’t want this new speaker, he’s a planted puppet,” another said.