House Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun Says Romualdez Has Long Thought of Resigning from Post
JAY KHONGHUN – The House Deputy Speaker spoke on the decision of Martin Romualdez to resign from being the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
It was earlier confirmed by Antipolo City 1st District Representative Ronaldo Puno that Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez is resigning from his position as the House Speaker. The looming change of leadership in the chamber takes place amid accusations linking Romualdez to the flood control mess in the country.
During a Senate flood probe, controversial contractors Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya accused the House Speaker in their joint affidavit of allegedly receiving 30% kickback from the flood control projects awarded to them. The other government officials that the controversial contractors named in their affidavit include Pasig Congressman Roman Romulo, Quezon City Cong. Arjo Atayde, Marikina Cong. Marcelino Teodoro, and Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez denied the accusation of the Discayas. He stressed that he is “self-made” and does not need and will not allow himself to be corrupted by the money that does not belong to him. His camp previously claimed that the House Speaker is not filing any case against his accusers for now.
Furthermore, Romualdez’s camp also cited the claim of Pacifico Discaya during a flood probe held at the House of Representatives. According to Mr. Discaya, he never had a direct transaction with the House Speaker. Amid the issues, there are calls for the resignation of the Speaker.
According to Antipolo City 1st District Rep. Ronaldo Puno, House Speaker Martin Romualdez called for a meeting and informed them about his decision to resign from his post. Based on a post on News5, House Deputy Speaker at Zambales Rep. Jhay Khonghun claimed that Romualdez has longed thought of stepping down from the position amid the accusations against him.
“Nakikita rin niya na masyado nang tinatamaan ‘yung House, ‘yung institution,” Rep. Jay Khonghun said.
Based on the post, House Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun called the move of House Speaker Martin Romualdez to resign from his position as a “sacrifice” for the chamber and the country. According to him, through it, Romualdez will now have the time to face the accusations against him.
“Mas magkakaroon siya ng oras na harapin ‘yung mga accusations, mas magkakaroon siya ng panahon para sagutin ‘yung mga intriga. ‘Yun ‘yung isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit pinili niyang magsakripisyo para rin sa institusyon at para sa bansa,” Khonghun said.
Romualdez has yet to release a personal statement on his decision to step down from the House speakership. Amid the flood control mess, Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that even his cousin, House Speaker Romualdez, and his allies will not be spared from the flood probe of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure or the ICI which he ordered to be formed.