MANILA – Cebu 5th District’s Cong. Duke Frasco defended his decision not to support a fresh term for Leyte 1st District’s Cong. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as House of Representatives’ Speaker.
In a statement, Frasco said he is disappointed with political and personal interests undermining unity and stability under the leadership of Romualdez.
Frasco, husband of Tourism secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, also stressed that Congress can do better and choose someone who unites rather than divides.
“In recent weeks, I have spoken with my colleagues in Congress, local leaders, especially from the Visayas and Mindanao, and most importantly, with my own constituents,” Frasco said.
“A shared frustration has emerged. There is deep disappointment that the unity our people once hoped for has been steadily undermined by political and personal interests,” he added.
Echoing the President’s call for unity, stability and a government that delivers meaningful change, he said the House must “reflect these values, not only through the laws we pass, but also in the leadership that we uphold.”
“Our duty as public servants is not to advance individual interests but to serve the Filipino people. And as the President himself has said, the people have spoken, and they expect results, not politics,” Frasco added.
He also stated that his refusal to support Romualdez is not about creating further division but because he simply believes that the House can, and must, do better.
“We should be a partner in building the country up, not a platform for further discord,” he said. “At this critical time in our nation, I believe we need leadership in the House that unites rather than divides. Leadership that reinforces our shared vision and strengthens the path forward for our country.”
Frasco’s refusal to sign a manifesto of support for Romualdez in the 20th Congress resulted in his expulsion from the National Unity Party.
Majority of House members reportedly signed the manifesto seeking to retain Romualdez as Speaker in the next Congress./PN
