“I ABSTAIN!” These were the words of Bacolod City’s Lone District congressman Albee Benitez during the Speakership vote — a declaration that echoed through the halls of Congress just hours before President Bongbong Marcos delivered his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28.
Why did it matter?
Thirty-three other lawmakers also voted to abstain, a move interpreted as a “silent protest” against the re-election of Leyte 1st District’s Cong. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as Speaker of the House.
But why did Cong. Albee draw the most attention?
Albee was among three lawmakers previously floated as potential contenders for the Speakership. The other two were Navotas’ Cong. Toby Tiangco and Cebu 5th District’s Cong. Duke Frasco.
Unthinkable
In the House of Representatives, it’s an open secret: Albee has long aspired to become Speaker, dating back to his time as Negros Occidental’s 3rd District congressman from 2010 to 2019. Yet despite his wealth and formidable political network, the Speakership remains out of reach.
What shocked many was Albee’s carefully scripted statement delivered minutes before the formal nomination process began in the House around 10 a.m. on July 28. It was as if he dropped a political bomb — not just within Congress, but across the entire nation. His remarks brimmed with frustration and indignation.
Among the most striking statements he made were:
* “I will not vote for Martin Romualdez.”
* “I believe our Chamber needs a leader who will stand firmly behind President Bongbong Marcos — not pull him down — and can help unite the nation behind his vision for the country.”
* “Congress has been plagued by controversies involving questionable budget allocations, politicized relief, and selfish power plays — all of which have contributed to distrust, disunity, and dysfunction.”
* “Our constituents and even our colleagues now question the integrity, transparency, and sincerity of the House.”
* “I decided not to align myself with the Majority, the Minority, or the Opposition. I will serve as an independent member of the House — fully supportive of the President and committed to encouraging broader support for his leadership.”
* “Our country needs a government that works — decisively, efficiently, and with the people’s interest front and center.”
* “This is not the time for self-interest or political maneuvering. I will support reforms that uplift the lives of our people, restore public trust through transparency, and help bring lasting, meaningful change.”
Clash of the Titans
After reading those quotes, some obvious questions arise: What now for Speaker Romualdez? How will he respond? Will he simply sit back and let it slide?
Interesting times ahead. As many in political circles whispered: “The clash of the titans begins!”
Quite Off
Here’s the thing: For Albee to question Romualdez’s leadership on the grounds of transparency and integrity feels a bit off. After all, Albee himself was embroiled in controversy during his term as Bacolod mayor from 2022 to 2025.
He drew heavy criticism for the city’s P6.5 billion loan and a controversial landbanking initiative — both of which led to the filing of complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman.
So, when Albee questioned Romualdez’s record, it’s no surprise that eyebrows were raised.
Misplaced PR
If Albee truly wanted to pursue the Speakership, why didn’t he make his intentions clear earlier, and launch a bold and direct campaign? Why settle for a PR blitz than openly compete?
To question Romualdez’s leadership is to diminish him. And rest assured, Romualdez will not take this sitting down.
Albee would later told Bacolod media during a press conference in Congress that he remains hopeful his constituents — the people of Bacolod — will benefit from the “many blessings” that flow through Congress.
Golden Rule
The Golden Rule might now apply in the budding Romualdez-Benitez rift: “Do not do unto others what you would not want done to you.”
Because like it or not, Romualdez’s “resbak” (retaliation) may be just around the corner. As Speaker of the House, he has both the power and the platform to flex against any member — including Albee.
So sit back, relax, and watch the next episode of the Romualdez-Benitez tiff./PN
