President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. anticipates working with newly-inducted House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

“We respect the independence of the chamber and acknowledge the contributions of former Speaker Martin Romualdez. We now look forward to working with Speaker Faustino Dy III to advance measures that strengthen the economy, ensure basic services, and protect our democracy,” the Palace said in a statement.

Following Romualdez’s resignation, Dy was elected to the post in an overwhelming 253-28 vote on September 17.

According to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto, several members of the House of Representatives had spoken to Dy regarding the Speakership during Marcos’ birthday party.

“(He is) a very good choice for the congressmen. He (has) a very good record. He’s been vice mayor, mayor, congressman, governor, vice governor, congressman uli. And in all those years, no bad record,” Sotto told reporters.

Romualdez resigned over allegations of anomalous budget insertions connected to faulty and fictitious flood control projects under his leadership.