AMID rumors of a possible gubernatorial bid in Cebu, Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Romualdez has firmly dismissed the speculation, reiterating that she has no plans to run for local office.
In a public statement on Saturday, June 7, 2025, the congresswoman called for an end to political gossip, stressing that she remains committed to her national mandate as a congresswoman.
“I want to speak directly to the people of Cebu — and to the Filipino public — who may have seen my name being dragged into local political speculation,” she said.
“Let me be very clear: I am not running for governor. I am not running for any position in Cebu. I have not transferred my residency,” she added.
She issued these pronouncements after Deputy Speaker and Cebu 5th District Rep. Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco confirmed that he did not sign the manifesto endorsing the continued leadership of her husband, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
The move prompted the National Unity Party (NUP) to expel Frasco for allegedly opposing its stance on House speaker’s leadership.
Camarines Sur Rep. and NUP president L-Ray Villafuerte criticized Frasco’s refusal to support the House speaker, who is Leyte 1st District representative, calling it a clear “breach” of the party’s official stance of full support for the Speaker’s continued leadership in the next Congress. Villafuerte further emphasized that the NUP had reached its decision to back the Speaker nearly a month ago.
Despite Frasco’s decision to withhold support and eventual expulsion, the Leyte congressman is set to keep his post, having secured backing from more than 240 lawmakers, well above the two-thirds majority needed in the 315-member House.
Moreover, while the manifesto has received widespread support, the refusal of lawmakers such as Frasco suggests that not all members are in line with the supermajority coalition. However, their specific individual decisions have not been revealed.
The 20th Congress is set to convene on July 28.
“Selfish political interests”
Meanwhile, the Tingog Party-list representative said her name had been drawn into local political speculation, while indirectly explaining the reason for mentioning Frasco in her statement.
She pointed out that her residency can be easily verified and that Frasco is aware of whether or not she is within his district. “It is very easy to check the [Commission on Elections] records in Liloan. I am not a registered voter there. My mother is registered in Cebu City — but I am not. Duke [Frasco] knows fully well whether or not I am his constituent,” she said.
SunStar Cebu tried to contact Frasco on Sunday, June 8, for comment via text but has not received a response as of press time.
Congresswoman Yedda sought to quash the rumors, publicly stating that she was not involved in any local political race and reinforcing her commitment to her national responsibilities that focus on serving disaster-vulnerable communities, women, children, and marginalized groups.
“If ever you see my name on the ballot in Cebu, ako na mismo ang nagsasabi sa inyo: huwag n’yo akong iboto (I am the one telling you: do not vote for me). Because that would not be me,” she said.
She said politics should be about public service, not “power games.”
Congresswoman Yedda is the granddaughter of Democrito Mendoza, one of the founders of the Associated Labor Unions and the founding leader of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.
Before entering politics, she represented the country in the Miss International competition in 1996 where she placed in the Top 15.
The congresswoman is a registered nurse. / DPC