The vast majority of congressmen in the Negros Island Region (NIR)--nine out of 11--have chosen to "stand firmly" behind House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

This, despite the rumors that one of their own--Bacolod City lone district Rep. Albee Benitez--has been eyeing the top post in the House of Representatives since the start of the 20th Congress.

"We, the representatives of the [NIR], stand firmly behind Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez," read a manifesto of support from the group on Monday, Sept. 15.

"The creation of the [NIR] is more than a law-it is a promise to our people. It carries the hope of faster progress, stronger unity, and a better future for Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. For this promise to be kept, we need a Congress that is steady, purposeful, and led with vision," it said.

"We have seen in him (Romualdez) not only the leader of the House but a partner of regions like ours--listening to our concerns, opening the doors of national government to our aspirations, and ensuring that the voice of Negros is heard in the councils of the nation," the faction further said.

Affixing their signatures to the manifesto were Negros Occidental 1st district Rep. Julio Ledesma IV, Negros Occidental 2nd district Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, Negros Occidental 4th district Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, Negros Occidental 5th district Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo, Negros Oriental 1st district Rep. Emmanuel Iway, Negros Oriental 2nd district Rep. Isabel Sagarbarria, Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Janice Degamo, and Siquijor lone district Rep. Zaldy Villa.

Ferrer told reporters that a ninth member of the regional bloc, Negros Occidental 6th district Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, has already committed to sign the document.

This leaves Bacolod Rep. Benitez and his son, Negros Occidental 3rd district Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez as the only two solons from NIR who dont explicitly support Romualdez.

"Our work as the newest region has only just begun. We cannot afford uncertainty or distraction," the manifesto further read.

"We are convinced that Speaker Romualdez provides the stability and leadership needed to transform the law creating the NIR into real benefits forour people-better infrastructure, stronger local governance, and opportunities that reach every community in our islands," it read.

"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," the solons said.

Romualdez is Leyte 1st district representative and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president.