Sandro leads House declaration of support for Dy

MANILA, Philippines —  President Marcos’ lawmaker-son Sandro led about 180 members of the House of Representatives in reaffirming their support for the leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, as the chamber fends off corruption issues over the flood control mess.

The House majority leader – who represents the first district of Ilocos Norte – led the 39-strong Northern Luzon Alliance, along with 30 of the 33 district lawmakers in Metro Manila, the 67-member Mindanao bloc and the 44 members of the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc.

Dy took over the House leadership after his predecessor, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, relinquished his post after massive pressure from several sectors following allegations of budget insertions and alleged involvement of House members in the flood scandal.

Legislators from the so-called “Solid North” have issued a manifesto declaring its “unequivocal support” for Dy, citing his leadership, character, and steady hand in guiding the House. Among the signatories were House Deputy Speakers Kristine Singson-Meehan (Ilocos Sur) and Francisco Paolo Ortega V (La Union).

The 67-member Mindanao bloc was led by Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez, who issued “separate but complementary” statements underscoring Speaker Dy’s “principled leadership, calm approach to governance, and bold push for reforms.”

In a separate manifesto, Mindanao lawmakers declared their “firm, united and unwavering support” for Dy. The Mindanao bloc noted that they have witnessed Dy’s “steady, respectful, and institution-centered approach to governance,” adding that his “calm but firm leadership style fosters dialogue, reduces tensions, and ensures that even during periods of political strain, the House remains focused on its constitutional mandate to serve the Filipino people.”

For its part, the Metro Manila bloc – in a letter dated Nov. 24 – said the Speaker steadied the House “during a particularly tumultuous time, where public perception against the government was badly affected by the serious flood control corruption issues.”

Expressing his commitment to a fair and independent service, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin, meanwhile, has stepped down as a member of the Commission on Appointments (CA).

“After thoughtful reflection, I have decided to respectfully step down from my membership in the Commission on Appointments and to assume a more independent position in Congress,” Garbin said in a statement.

“This decision comes from a place of personal conviction and continued commitment to public service—not from any form of disagreement, resentment, or political rift,” he added.

Garbin said that for him, public service has always been about responsibility, accountability, and honest engagement in nation-building.

“Let me be clear: I have committed no wrongdoing, and I remain fully guided by the trust reposed in me by the people I serve,” Garbin said.

Garbin emphasized that he will continue to support all programs, measures, and initiatives of the House leadership and the majority that are genuinely beneficial to the Filipino people.