Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez '85 has been elected Speaker of the House in the 20th Congress.

In the first session of the House of Representatives since the May 2025 elections, Romualdez ran unopposed for Speaker and received 269 votes from his peers.

Romualdez will serve a second consecutive term as the leader of the chamber.

Quezon Rep. David Suarez nominated the Speaker for the position, and the nomination was backed by the major parties – Lakas-CMD, Nationalist People's Coalition, Nacionalista Party, National Unity Party, and the ruling Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.

"The Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association, Inc. (USPAAI) congratulates Fellow Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez ’85 on his election as Speaker of the House of Representatives," the USPAAI said in a statement.

"His election reflects the trust and confidence placed in him by his colleagues in Congress. The USPAAI commends his dedication to public service and expresses its well wishes as he undertakes the responsibilities as Speaker," the alumni association added.

"With humility in my heart and a deep sense of duty, I rise today to accept the renewed trust you have given me to serve once again as Speaker of the House of Representatives," Romualdez said in his speech before colleagues and guests at the plenary hall.

"Ang tiwala ay hindi gantimpala, kundi panibagong hamon. At bawat hamon ay pagkakataon para maglingkod nang mas tapat, mas totoo, at mas buo,” he added.

Romualdez thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. for continuing to trust the chamber’s leadership.

"I thank His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., for his continued trust and confidence in the leadership of this Chamber. The House of Representatives stands ready to be your reliable partner in building a Bagong Pilipinas—a nation that is inclusive, resilient, and grounded in justice and opportunity,” he said.

To the Filipino people, Romualdez said, "And to our beloved Filipino people: you are not just our mandate. You are our mission. You are the reason we are here.”

"This House is your voice. And we are ready—ready to speak up, ready to stand up, and ready to act in your name and for your future,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez took the opportunity to highlight accountability in public office and respond to the Supreme Court’s ruling dismissing the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Romualdez underscored the House’s exclusive power to initiate impeachment proceedings.

“And today, as we formally begin this new chapter, we do so amid a development that once again calls us to reflect on our sacred constitutional duty — the Supreme Court’s decision on the impeachment case filed against the Vice President,” Romualdez said.

“Let me say this with the utmost respect: The Supreme Court has spoken, and we recognize its decision. But let it never be said that the House of the People bowed in silence,” he added.

Romualdez stressed the fundamental role of Congress in matters of accountability and reinforced the constitutional boundary between branches of government.

“At the same time, we draw a line: the power to initiate impeachment is the exclusive domain of this Chamber. It flows from the people’s will and rests solely on the clear language of the Constitution. It is neither granted nor guided by any outside institution," Romualdez said.

"The Court may close a case, but it cannot close a cause. The pursuit of accountability is not a moment — it is a mandate,” he added.