MANILA, Philippines – Bago tuluyang bumaba sa pwesto ay nagtalumpati, nagpaalam at nagpasalamat si Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez sa kaniyang mga kasamahang mambabatas.
Sa kaniyang talumpati ay inihayag ni Romualdez ay sinabi ng kongresista na “ accountability must prevail.”
Narito ang kopya ng talumpati ng pababa sa pwesto ni House Speaker Martin Romualdez:
“Mga minamahal kong kasamahan sa Malaking Kapulungan, mahal kong kababayan — magandang araw po sa inyong lahat.
I stand before you today with utmost humility, and with deep gratitude for the trust and confidence you have accorded me.
That trust has been the source of my strength in every day of service.
When I assumed this responsibility, I made a solemn commitment: that the House of Representatives would be the people’s House — isang Kongresong bukas, tapat, at tunay na naglilingkod.
Yet leadership also demands that we confront the trials of the present.
In his recent State of the Nation Address, our President reminded us that accountability must prevail and that no one is above scrutiny.
I fully and unequivocally embrace that call.
The issues surrounding certain infrastructure projects have raised questions that weigh not only upon me, but upon this institution we all serve.
Ang ating mga kababayan ay naghahangad ng linaw, at higit sa lahat, ng tiwala. Tungkulin nating ito’y maibalik.
The longer I stay, the heavier that burden grows — on me, on this House, and on the President I have always sought to support.
And so, after deep reflection and prayer, I have made a decision.
Today, with a full heart and a clear conscience, I tender my resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives.”
“I do this so that the Independent Commission on Infrastructure may pursue its mandate freely and fully — without doubt, without interference, and without undue influence.
Walang pipigil. Walang makikialam. Let the truth emerge, and let justice be done.
To my colleagues: carry forward the work of this institution with unity and resolve.
To the Filipino people: never lose faith in democracy, for it remains capable of self-correction and renewal.
Mga minamahal kong kababayan, I leave this Chamber as I first entered it — a humble servant, ready to serve wherever duty may call.
I step down not in surrender, but in service — for sometimes, the greatest act of leadership is the grace to let go, so that this institution may endure stronger than before.
MADAMO NGA SALAMAT HA IYO NGA TANAN!
Mabuhay ang Kongreso ng Taumbayan!
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!”
Pagkatapos ng talumpati ni Romualdez ay agad isinunod ni House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos ang pagbubukas sa nominasyon ng papalit na speaker kung saan tumayo sina Quezon City Rep. Tulfo at Isabela Rep. Tonypet para sa nominasyon ni Isabela Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III.
Sa ngayon ay nagbobotohan ang mga kongresista, at kapansin-pansin ang pag-abstain ng mga mambabatas. Meliza Maluntag/Gail Mendoza
