Davao 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte has blasted the looming replacement of Speaker Martin Romualdez with Deputy Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, branding the move as nothing more than a political smokescreen.
“Ngayon, pinalitan si Martin Romualdez, tapos si Rep. Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy daw ang ipapalit. Sino ang pumili? Walang iba kundi si Sandro Marcos — partymate sa Partido Federal, anak mismo ng Pangulo,” Duterte said in a strongly worded statement, describing the transition as a mere “cover-up move” that changes faces but not the system.
The lawmaker directly challenged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying, “Mr. President, ano ba ‘to? Kung seryoso ka talaga laban sa korapsyon, bakit hindi ka mag-file agad ng kaso laban sa mga tiwaling mambabatas?”
Duterte also called out the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), demanding that the agency release a full list of infrastructure projects across all districts so the public can finally see the real picture. “Tama na ang panloloko. Tigilan na ang palabas,” he added.
He further questioned how corruption in Congress could have gone unnoticed for nearly four years under the current administration, pointing out that the President’s own son, Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, is deeply involved in House leadership.
The fiery statement comes amid reports that Romualdez will step down and Dy will take over as Speaker, following mounting controversies surrounding anomalous flood control projects. Party leaders in the House have been meeting to finalize the succession, with Dy emerging as the frontrunner.
