A Quiet Leader for a Noisy Nation: Why Romualdez Is the President the Philippines Needs in 2028

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — June 16, 2025

IN A country where politics often feels like a telenovela—complete with fiery speeches, viral TikToks, and larger-than-life personas—Ferdinand Martin Romualdez stands out for what he doesn’t do. He doesn’t chase headlines. He doesn’t grandstand on social media. And in a nation weary of performative populism, his refusal to play the part of the charismatic savior may be his most radical act. As the Philippines grapples with post-pandemic recovery, geopolitical tensions, and a fractured political culture, Romualdez’s quiet competence, legislative prowess, and willingness to make tough calls position him as the steady hand Filipinos should demand in 2028.

The Work Over the Noise

Romualdez, the Speaker of the House, has made it clear he’s not chasing the presidency—at least not yet. While rivals jet-set abroad or flood social media with carefully curated content, he’s passing bills, monitoring public funds, and delivering aid to the hungry. His spokesperson, Princess Abante, put it bluntly: “Speaker Romualdez and the House continue to do its job: file bills, monitor public funds, and bring service to those who need it.” This focus on governance over glamour is rare in Philippine politics, where early campaigning often overshadows duty. Consider Republic Act No. 10754, which Romualdez authored to expand benefits for people with disabilities—a tangible achievement that affects lives, not just likes.

Contrast this with the flashier tactics of potential rivals like Vice President Sara Duterte, whose social media presence and public feuds keep her in the spotlight but do little to address the ₱612.5 million in confidential funds her office was questioned for. Romualdez’s oversight of those funds, culminating in the House’s historic 215-vote impeachment push against Duterte, wasn’t a popularity contest—it was a stand for accountability. Critics call it political maneuvering; supporters see it as courage. Either way, it’s the kind of hard decision that defines leadership, not ambition.

Reframing the Controversies

No leader is without flaws, and Romualdez’s detractors are quick to point them out. The “tambaloslos” tag—a derogatory jab from Duterte implying inefficiency—stings because it’s catchy, not because it’s accurate. Abante’s defense is telling: Romualdez earned the label while “helping the hungry, the sick, and those who lost their jobs.” If feeding the poor makes one a “tambaloslos,” what does that say about his critics? The impeachment saga, too, is a double-edged sword. While some see it as a vendetta, the 70% House support it garnered proves Romualdez’s ability to unite a fractious coalition around a principle: no one, not even a popular vice president, is above scrutiny.

Then there’s the dynasty question. As a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Romualdez carries the weight of a name tied to both legacy and baggage. Critics argue this makes him just another cog in the Philippines’ dynastic machine. Yet in a world of global uncertainty—economic volatility, South China Sea tensions—his ties to the Marcos network offer stability and continuity, not stagnation. The Marcos administration’s economic gains, with GDP growth projected at 6.2% for 2025, owe much to legislative backing from leaders like Romualdez. His Harvard and Cornell education, paired with banking experience, equips him to navigate fiscal complexities better than rivals who lean on charisma over competence.

The Antidote to Polarization

The Duterte rivalry looms large, but it’s less a threat than an opportunity. Sara Duterte’s attacks, including her 2023 claim that Romualdez sees her as his “biggest threat,” reveal more about her fears than his plans. Her family’s brand of populism—built on brash rhetoric and divisive tactics—has left the Philippines polarized. Romualdez, by contrast, is a unifier. His ability to rally 215 lawmakers for the impeachment vote shows he can bridge divides, a skill vital for a nation tired of political vendettas. Where Duterte thrives on confrontation, Romualdez builds coalitions. In 2028, when voters face a choice between more drama or steady progress, his understated style could resonate.

His weaknesses are real but surmountable. His lack of executive experience—never having served as a governor or mayor—is a gap. Yet his managerial roles in banking and as House Speaker, overseeing a 300-member chamber, demonstrate a knack for leadership under pressure. Critics may also point to his low-key media presence as a liability in a personality-driven campaign. But in an era of misinformation and fleeting trends, his refusal to “use TikTok to appear cute” is a strength, signaling authenticity over artifice.

A Leader for the Moment

The Philippines in 2028 will need more than a showman. Post-pandemic recovery demands fiscal discipline; Romualdez’s oversight of ₱612.5 million in questionable funds shows he’s unafraid to enforce it. Geopolitical challenges require a steady hand; his coalition-building proves he can navigate complexity. And a polarized electorate craves unity; his track record suggests he can deliver it. No leader is perfect, but Romualdez’s flaws are those of a doer—someone who prioritizes results over rhetoric.

As Filipinos look to 2028, they should demand a president who works quietly but effectively, who chooses service over selfies. Romualdez isn’t just the best option—he’s the antidote to the toxic politics of division. In a nation hungry for progress, he’s the leader who’s already delivering.