Who is Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III? Soon to Become the Philippines’ 4th Most Powerful Official

MANILA, Philippines — On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Deputy Speaker and Isabela Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III is set to take over as Speaker of the House of Representatives. This development comes after Speaker Martin Romualdez officially resigned amid serious corruption allegations involving flood control projects and the 2025 national budget.

Romualdez Steps Down

For days, there was speculation that Romualdez would only take a leave of absence. But on Wednesday morning, Antipolo Rep. Ronaldo Puno confirmed that Romualdez decided to resign completely. According to Puno, Romualdez stepped down to stop suspicions that he would still try to influence Congress behind the scenes.

Dy’s Rise to the Speakership

Dy, one of the 11 deputy speakers in the 20th Congress, was earlier considered only as an acting replacement. But with Romualdez leaving the position fully, Dy is now set to officially become Speaker.

His appointment is significant because he will be the first lawmaker from Isabela to hold the position. He will also face the challenge of leading a deeply divided chamber, shaken by budget controversies and the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Political Backing from Marcos Allies

Sources say Dy’s link to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) was a strong factor in his selection. The PFP only has 27 members in the 315-strong House, but Romualdez himself called on lawmakers to support Dy to ensure unity.

The Dy Political Clan of Isabela

The Dy family is one of the most powerful clans in Isabela, often alternating positions with the Albano family. Their influence dates back to the era of Marcos Sr., when Dy’s father, Faustino Dy Sr., was governor of Isabela from 1971 to 1986 and again from 1988 to 1992.

Even today, several members of the clan are in politics:

• Ian Paul Dy – Representative of the 3rd District

• Faustino Michael Carlos Dy III – Representative of the 5th District

• Inno Dy – Bojie Dy’s son, now mayor of Echague

Dy’s Political Career

• Served as Governor of Isabela (2010–2019)

• Served as Vice Governor (2019–2025)

• Returned to Congress as Representative of the 6th District in 2025

For the 20th Congress, Dy has filed 25 bills. Many focus on Isabela, but he has also authored national measures like:

• Creating the Sierra Madre Conservation and Development Authority

• Strengthening the National Research Council of the Philippines

• Adding a life skills course to high school curricula

Past Controversies

In 2022, Dy and 12 other officials faced plunder charges over a P1.3 billion road project. The complainant, former Angandanan mayor Manuel Siquian, claimed there was no proper public bidding and that the project mainly benefited the Dy family, as the road led to their beach property.

What Happens Next?

With Dy taking over as Speaker, the House may see a reshuffling of committee chairmanships. Analysts believe his leadership will be tested immediately as Congress faces both corruption probes and the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte.