Another ally of Speaker Martin Romualdez has pointed to Navotas City lone district Rep. Toby Tiangco's alleged "political frustrations" in the House of Representatives as reason for the latter's attacks against the leadership.

“Rep. Tiangco’s statements are nothing more than the voice of frustration," former Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chief communications officer of the Office of the Speaker, said on Friday, Sept. 12.

Barbers was referring to Tiangco's call for a "total overhaul” of the 300-plus strong House.

"Let us recall that he failed to secure either the Speakership or the powerful Appropriations chairmanship at the start of the 20th Congress,” Barbers said of Tiangco.

It was last week when majority bloc member, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr. aired the same remarks about Tiangco, an independent solon.

Barbers said, “Neither he nor Rep. Albee Benitez was even nominated for Speaker. Not a single member of the House cast a vote in their favor. That reality speaks louder than today’s rhetoric."

The chief communications officer was referring to Bacolod lone district Rep. Albee Benitez, who was also rumored to have sought the Speakership in the 20th Congress.

It can be recalled that Leyte 1st district Rep. Romualdez ran unopposed for the post last July 28, the first session day of the 20th Congress.

Barbers, who served as lead chair of the celebrated House quad-committee (quad-comm) in the 19th Congress, said that party leaders remain committed to the supermajority coalition under Romualdez, which has overseen the chamber's record legislative productivity.

“The truth is clear: all party leaders remain firmly committed to the supermajority coalition under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez,” the Mindanaoan noted.

“This unity has been the cornerstone of the House’s record productivity. Under Speaker Romualdez, the 19th Congress was one of the most productive in our nation’s history, passing landmark laws in support of the Bagong Pilipinas agenda. The 20th Congress is on track to build on that momentum,” he added.

Barbers said the trust of lawmakers in the sitting Speaker remains strong despite attempts to drag him and other House members into allegations over flood control projects.

“The trust and confidence of House Members in the leadership of Speaker Romualdez remain unshaken. Allegations raised against him and other lawmakers regarding flood control projects are baseless, without evidence, and sourced from polluted origins,” he said.

Barbers noted that the Speaker “has categorically denied these accusations and has repeatedly stated that anyone proven guilty of wrongdoing will never be shielded by his leadership.”

Barbers added the House remains focused on its work and will not be distracted by political intrigue.

“The House of Representatives stands solid and united. We will not be distracted by intrigues or political sour grapes. Our mission is clear: to continue delivering meaningful legislation and oversight that will benefit every Filipino family,” he said.