The Romualdez family’s influence in the House of Representatives has grown even stronger as Yedda Romualdez officially rejoins the chamber, securing the third seat for their household in the 20th Congress.
Her return comes after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) certified her as the third nominee of Tingog party-list on July 16. This development means Yedda now sits alongside her husband, Martin Romualdez—presumptive House Speaker and representative of Leyte’s 1st district—and their 24-year-old son, Andrew Julian Romualdez, Tingog’s first nominee.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia informed House Secretary General Reginald Velasco of Yedda’s proclamation in a letter dated July 16, following a series of nominee resignations that cleared her path. “As a Certificate of Proclamation has already been issued to TINGOG Party-list on May 19, 2025, kindly consider this letter as the equivalent certification,” Garcia wrote.
Tingog secured three seats in the May midterm elections, placing third in the party-list race. Yedda initially appeared as the sixth nominee but moved up after Marie Josephine Diana K. Calatrava, along with Alexis V. Yu and Paul S. Muncada, stepped down. Calatrava cited “personal circumstances,” while Yu and Muncada vacated their slots after assuming party leadership roles.
The Comelec’s law department reviewed the succession process and recommended that Yedda be elevated to third nominee, citing Republic Act No. 7941’s provision for automatic succession. The en banc adopted the recommendation on July 16.
Yedda and Martin previously served together in the 19th Congress, with Martin as House Speaker and Yedda chairing the accounts committee overseeing the chamber’s budget.
Their son Andrew Julian, now a neophyte legislator, replaced his mother as Tingog’s top nominee earlier this year.
Also serving in the 20th Congress is Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s son and Martin Romualdez’s nephew, further cementing the Romualdez family’s presence and political clout within the lower house.
