• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A majority of lawmakers from the Negros Island Region (NIR) have signed a manifesto expressing their support for Speaker Martin Romualdez amid controversies surrounding flood control projects allegedly involving some legislators.
Among the signatories were Rep. Julio Ledesma IV (Negros Occidental, 1st District), Rep. Alfredo Marañon III (Negros Occidental, 2nd District), Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer (Negros Occidental, 4th District), Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo (Negros Occidental, 5th District), Rep. Emmanuel Liway (Negros Oriental, 1st District), Rep. Ma. Isabel Sagarbarria (Negros Oriental, 2nd District), Rep. Janice Degamo (Negros Oriental, 3rd District), and Rep. Zaldy Villa (Siquijor Lone District).
“We, the Representatives of the Negros Island Region, stand firmly behind Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. We have seen in him 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 manifesto reads.
“Our work as the newest region has only just begun. We cannot afford uncertainty or distraction. We are convinced that Speaker Romualdez provides the stability and leadership needed to transform the law creating NIR into real benefits for our people—better infrastructure, stronger local governance, and opportunities that reach every community in our islands,” the document adds.
Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (Negros Occidental, 6th District), who did not sign the manifesto, said she sent a text message to Rep. Ferrer expressing her support for Romualdez. Alvarez also noted that the Nationalist People’s Coalition backs the incumbent House Speaker.
Only Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez did not sign the manifesto. His father, Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, was also not included among the signatories.
While the younger Benitez voted for Romualdez during the 20th Congress speakership selection, his father did not support Romualdez.
In an interview on Saturday, Rep. Albee Benitez said the House of Representatives needs an overhaul and that Romualdez should make a “supreme sacrifice.” | GB
