Malacañang has stated that any change in House leadership, amid rumors of Speaker Faustino Dy III's replacement, is solely for the House of Representatives to decide. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that the matter is not in the President's hands. Meanwhile, a regional alliance has voiced strong support for Dy.
Rumors are circulating that Isabela Representative Faustino Dy III, elected Speaker last September, may be replaced due to not inspiring confidence and failing to build strong relationships, according to online media outlet Politiko. The speculation suggests Malacañang is considering another leadership shake-up in the House as the Marcos administration deals with issues in flood control.
However, Caloocan Representative Egay Erice argued against another change so soon, stating on One News' 'Storycon,' 'I don’t think that we can afford the leadership change right now.' He pointed to the recent demotion of former Speaker Martin Romualdez ally David Suarez to deputy speaker as evidence of Dy's growing influence.
In response, the Northern Luzon Alliance, comprising lawmakers from Regions I and II and the Cordillera Administrative Region, issued a manifesto declaring 'unequivocal support' for Dy. Led by House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos III of Ilocos Norte, along with Deputy Speakers Kristine Singson-Meehan of Ilocos Sur and Francisco Paolo Ortega V of La Union, the two-page declaration emphasized conviction, unity, and trust in Dy's leadership, character, and steady guidance of the House.
On Wednesday, the House elected South Cotabato Representative Ferdinand Hernandez as its new senior deputy speaker, succeeding Quezon Representative David Suarez, who became a deputy speaker. The motion was made by House deputy majority leader and Sorsogon Representative Wowo Fortes. Hernandez, previously a deputy speaker in the 20th Congress, is the principal author of 20 House bills supporting marginalized sectors like seniors, persons with disabilities, and health workers. He serves as vice chairman of committees on appropriations, higher education, transportation, and ways and means, and is a member of several others.