TACLOBAN CITY – Residents and supporters of Leyte 1st district Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez gathered for a Holy Mass in Tolosa, Leyte, on Thursday, Sept. 24, to pray for the lawmaker and his family amid legal challenges he is facing.
The Mass, held at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, was organized by the local government of Tolosa and attended by hundreds of residents, supporters and friends of Romualdez.
The gathering was the second religious activity organized by his supporters in Leyte, with participants offering prayers for strength and guidance and expressing hope that the legal proceedings against the lawmaker would be resolved fairly.
Romualdez, who represents Leyte’s 1st congressional district, was served an arrest warrant for plunder on Sept. 7 while he was confined at a hospital in San Juan City. The case stemmed from a P7.4-billion complaint filed by the Office of the Ombudsman involving alleged irregularities in flood-control projects. Romualdez has denied the allegations.
He resigned as House Speaker in September 2025, saying his decision would allow the Independent Commission on Infrastructure to pursue its work without doubt or interference. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III subsequently became Speaker.
Despite his resignation from the speakership, Romualdez remains the representative of Leyte’s 1st district, according to the official roster of the House of Representatives.
The 1st district covers Tacloban City and the municipalities of Palo, Alangalang, Babatngon, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Tanauan and Tolosa.
Those who attended Thursday’s Mass said they were offering their prayers for Romualdez and his family as he faces the ongoing legal proceedings.
The gathering also highlighted the continued support of his constituents and allies in Leyte, with participants emphasizing faith, unity and hope.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
