ATM pleased Romualdez gone, but wary about new Speaker
- Alyansa Tigil Mina
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is pleased with the resignation of Representative Martin Romualdez as House Speaker, but expressed doubts over any significant change in Congress under the new leadership of Representative Faustino “Bojie” Dy III.
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, said “We welcome the news that the corrupt and greedy leadership of Romualdez is gone. But, we emphasize, he must be made accountable for the massive budget corruption and patronage politics that happened in his stint.”
“Meanwhile, we are also wary that the transition to Cong. Dy will not necessarily result in real legitimate change as he is still effectively under the control and influence of the political dynasty of Marcos and Romualdez.”
ATM has strongly criticized Rep. Romualdez for his conflict of interests as House Speaker and investor of mining companies. He was instrumental in the passage of the Mining Fiscal Regime Bill, which effectively reduces the potential revenues of government while favoring mining corporations.
In the meantime, ATM’s 2024 study on beneficial ownership of mining companies has revealed that the Romualdez family has significant stakes or strong links in some mining firms, including Benguet Corporation, Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation (MMDC) and Brightgreen Resources Corporation (BRC).
Garganera also expressed continued commitment to the growing movement against corruption, particularly involving flood control projects.
“Amidst the controversy over flood control projects, we stress that mining has caused flooding in several mining sites. Mining and floods as well as corruption and budget scandals are overlapping injustices that need to be urgently stopped.”
“Despite the change in the House leadership, we will continue to support the September 21 action against corruption, monitor the influence of political dynasties in the mining industry, and remain vigilant regarding the plunder of our environment and natural resources due to destructive mining,” Garganera said.
“Given the new House leadership, we will double our efforts to work for genuine legislative reforms with our champions in Congress. We further call for the convening of a “green caucus” at the House and Senate, which will pursue environmental protection and climate justice. In particular, the proposed Alternative Mineral Management Bill (AMMB) needs to be passed,” he concluded.
