MANILA -- Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, nephew of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, said Wednesday that he was "definitely running" for Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Romualdez said he informed President Rodrigo Duterte, outgoing Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and his Lakas party mates of his bid.

“I am definitely running for Speaker. And God willing, the President’s desire, and with the mandate of the congressmen then I shall serve as such,” he told reporters.

Duterte’s endorsement “will go a long way” because a Speaker needs to be “in sync” with the President’s legislative agenda and goals, said Romualdez.

“As Speaker you have to be very sensitive to parochial concerns, because once you get the congressman on your side, measures, initiatives that are of national importance and priority, mabilis (it will be fast),” he said.

“You have to be very accessible, you have to be the congressman’s congressman... You need to engage all of the congressmen without exception. If they feel that you are sensitive, then you can now get their loyalty and dedication,” he added.

Arroyo is on her final term as Pampanga congresswoman, which ends in June 30.

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