Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy Elected House Speaker, Vows Transparency and Reforms

In a significant development at the start of the 20th Congress, Isabela's 6th district Representative Faustino "Bojie" Dy was elected as House Speaker. Lawmakers from both the majority and minority blocs expressed their support and optimism for his leadership during the plenary session on Wednesday, September 17.

In his inaugural address, Speaker Dy pledged to uphold transparency by refusing to protect corrupt individuals implicated in the ongoing flood control projects scandal. He also committed to overhauling the budget process following persistent allegations of irregular "insertions" in previously approved budgets.

Manila's 6th district Representative Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., a member of the majority, expressed full confidence in Dy's agenda. In a statement issued Thursday, September 18, Abante said, "I welcome the leadership of Speaker Bojie Dy and fully support his call for a House that is more transparent, more accountable, and more responsive to the needs of our people." He added that Dy’s clear message to protect the Filipino people rather than internal allies "is a mission I fully embrace."

Abante, who chairs the quad-committee in the 20th Congress, highlighted Dy's promise that no individual or office will be exempt from accountability under his leadership. He emphasized that this approach is vital to restoring public trust in the House.

Additionally, Abante urged all members of Congress to heed Dy’s call to strengthen legislative oversight and collaborate closely with the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI).

From the minority side, Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Representative Robert Nazal, who abstained from voting for Dy, expressed hope that the new Speaker's administration would promptly initiate essential reforms. "We wish Speaker Dy good luck as he assumes this vital role. Even as I stood in abstention, I am hopeful that under his leadership, reforms can begin right away, starting with transparency in the budget process, especially during the bicameral conference," Nazal stated.

Former BH Party-list Representative Bernadette Herrera also welcomed Dy’s election as a chance to reset expectations and advance long-awaited reforms. "We extend our good luck to Speaker Dy and trust that he will seize this moment to bring clarity and fairness to the budget process. Transparency and accountability must be the foundation of his speakership if the House is to truly serve the Filipino people," Herrera emphasized.

With widespread backing across party lines, Speaker Dy faces the critical task of fulfilling his promises to enhance transparency, combat corruption, and reform the national budget process amid growing public demand for government accountability.