House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), former president Rodrigo Duterte (Speaker’s office, Malacañang photo)

Speaker Martin Romualdez has said that his commitment lies with being the leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives in Philippine Congress. 

Romualdez gave this response to public pronouncements made by former president Rodrigo Duterte, who had strongly insinuated that the House chief would run for president in the 2028 national elections. 

"Regarding my personal political aspirations, I am currently committed to my role as Speaker and serving the needs of our nation. My focus is on the present responsibilities and not on future electoral possibilities," he said in a statement on Friday, Nov . 17. 

"I am grateful for the former President's engagement with the political discourse, and I understand the curiosity surrounding the 2028 elections. 

"However, I believe it is important to focus on the present challenges facing our nation. We are currently dealing with significant economic, public health, and regional issues that demand our immediate attention," said Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party. 

In a recent television interview, ex-president Duterte advised his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, to not vie for the Palace seat and instead let Romualdez run the country. 

But the Leyte 1st district congressman next remarks seem to show that the 2028 polls are the farthest from his mind. 

CHECK THIS OUT: 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/14/romualdez-turns-60-says-he-wants-to-serve-pinoys-the-rest-of-his-life-1

"Marami pang problema ang mga Pilipino na kailangang bigyan ng solusyon. Hindi eleksyon ang sagot sa sikmurang gutom," he said. 

(Filipinos are still experiencing a lot of problems that need to be solved. Election is not the solution to an empty stomach.) 

"As Speaker of the House of Representatives, my priority is to promote unity and collaboration across all political lines. This is a time to put aside rumors and speculations about future elections and concentrate on what we can achieve together for the betterment of our country and the welfare of the Filipino people." Romualdez further said. 

Romualdez is arguably President Marcos' most trusted ally in the legislature, if not the entire bureaucracy. 

The elder Duterte chairs the erstwhile ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).