Who is Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III, the deputy speaker expected to replace Romualdez?

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 11:55 a.m.) — With Romualdez set to step down on Wednesday, September 17, Deputy Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III is poised to succeed him. But what do we know about Bojie?

Even before Romualdez finalized his decision to resign, whispers of his exit already filled the halls of Congress, with Bojie's name emerging as a potential successor.

While reasons remain unclear, Bojie was actually one of the 11 deputy speakers of the 20th Congress. He returned to the legislature after winning in the 2025 midterm elections as representative of Isabela's 6th District.

He ran under Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) — the political party chaired by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. himself. 

With almost three decades in public service, the newly elected House speaker has built a career in Isabela politics. Bojie served three terms in most of his posts before becoming term-limited. 

In 1992, he was Cauayan, Isabela mayor until 2001. He then ran for district representative and spent another three terms in office from 2001 to 2010. By this time, he became Isabela's provincial governor, again serving three terms until 2019. 

Instead of retiring from politics or seeking a national post, Bojie continued as vice governor for only two terms from 2019 to 2025. It was only in 2025 that he returned to Congress. 

While serving as vice governor in 2020, Bojie, along with 12 other provincial officials, reportedly faced a plunder complaint over an allegedly anomalous road project, which lacked public bidding and was reportedly overpriced.

RELATED: Isabela vice governor faces plunder raps

In a political dynasty

The Dys of Isabela are also a well-entrenched political dynasty. Bojie is the third Faustino Dy in the family to rise to power, following his father, former governor Faustino Dy Sr., and his brothers, former governors Benjamin Dy and Faustino Dy Jr.

Bojie's son, nephews and daughter-in-law have also entered politics. In the present Congress, Bojie is joined by nephews Rep. Faustino Michael Carlos III and Rep. Ian Paul Dy, who represent Isabela's 5th and 3rd Districts. 

His son, Echague Mayor Faustino “Inno” Dy V, and Inno’s wife, Santiago Mayor Alyssa Sheena Tan-Dy, also previously served in Congress.

Over the years, the Dy clan has shifted political allegiances. They supported Marcos Sr. during his administration, then the Aquinos after his ouster, and later the Marcoses’ return to power. As governor, Bojie reportedly guaranteed the Marcoses a “Solid North” in Isabela during Marcos Jr.’s 2016 vice presidential run.

What has Bojie done so far? 

In the 20th Congress, Bojie has so far filed 25 bills and resolutions. He was also one of the lawmakers who urged the House to investigate the collapse of the newly built Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela.  

Bojie was also the one who moved for the termination of the committee-level deliberations of the Office of the President's proposed 2026 budget to accord "institutional courtesy." 

Romualdez is expected to resign on September 17 as House speaker, facing allegations of flood control corruption among lawmakers under his leadership and claims of manipulating the budget.