Support for Speaker Romualdez pours amid senators’ attacks
CONGRESSMEN in Metro Manila and local government officials in Surigao del Norte have expressed support for Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez amid attacks by senators.
A total of 30 congressmen from 14 cities of Metro Manila defended Speaker Romualdez against the senators’ baseless allegations regarding the proposed amendment to the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution aimed at increasing foreign investors in the country.
They signed a “Statement of Solidarity” to also assert the importance of upholding the right stated in the Constitution.
“Let it be said, here and now, that we the undersigned Representatives from the National Capital Region denounce efforts to foment disunity in our nation! We call on all to respect each other’s positions and the voices of our citizens and their inalienable right to be heard,” the statement said.
The congressmen also recognized the actions of Speaker Romualdez to promote the welfare of the country and to face the challenges to protect the Filipinos.
“We sign this unequivocally in support of the citizens we represent, in support of Speaker Romualdez who has been a Speaker for all and a Speaker of the Nation!” according to the unanimous statement of the legislators.
The statement was signed by Caloocan Reps. Oscar Malapitan, Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy and Dean Asistio; Makati Reps. Romulo “Kid” Pena Jr. and Luis Campos Jr.; Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco; Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales II; Pasay City Rep. Antonino Calixto; Manila Reps. Ernesto Dionisio Jr., Rep. Rolando Valeriano, Rep. Joel Chua, Edward Vera Perez Maceda, Rep. Irwin Tieng and Rep. Bienvenido Abante.
Quezon City Reps. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo, Rep. Franz Pumaren, Rep. Marvin Rillo, Patrick Michael “PM” Vargas, and Rep. Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar; Taguig-Pateros Reps. Ricardo Cruz Jr. and Amparo Maria Zamora; San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora; Pasig Rep Roman Romulo; Marikina Reps. Marjorie Anne Teodoro, and Stella Luz Quimbo; Parañaque Reps. Edwin Olivarez and Gus Tambunting and Muntinlupa Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, also signed the statement.
Meanwhile, 25 local government leaders also expressed support for Speaker Romualdez through a manifesto of support.
Former Gov. Francisco Matugas and Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco “Bingo” Matugas led the signing of the manifesto.
“We, the Local Chief Executives and leaders of Surigao del Norte express our wholehearted and unwavering support for the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez amidst the issues being raised against him in the context of the People’s Initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution,” said the local officials who signed the manifesto.
“Speaker Martin’s vision of a prosperous Philippines by shepherding measures that, in his own words, are ‘calculated to alleviate poverty, trigger economic progress and harness competencies in government for the delivery of the highest degree of service,’ has greatly benefitted Surigaonons,” they added.
“We now express the same kind of support he has provided for the people of Surigao, especially Siargao. More importantly, Surigaonons share Speaker Martin’s vision for development by opening up the economy to foreign investment, removing existing economic restrictions, and improving healthcare and education,” also stated in the manifesto.
The manifesto was signed by Rep. Bingo Matugas with the seven Board Members of Surigao del Norte including Julecs C. Sunico, Constantini B. Navarro IV, Allan A. Turtur, Kent L. Yuipco, Nathaniel A Plaza, Juan Fernando Larong, and Elvira Egay.
A total of 10 mayors also signed the manifesto, including Mayor Wallace Senaca of Malimono, Mayor Elvira Matugas of Gen. Luna, Mayor Arwela Dolar of Sta. Monica, Mayor Angie Arcena of Burgos, Mayor Elizabeth Matugas of Dapa, Mayor Alfredo Coro Jr. of Del Carmen, Mayor Maria Liza Resurreccion of Pilar, Mayor Ma. Gina Menil of San Benito, Mayor Lamberto Domiños Jr. of San Isidro, and Mayor Riza Rafonselle Timcang of Soccoro.
The six councilors of Surigao City also signed the manifesto, including Jose Expeditus “Jex” Bayana, Joel Echin Tinio, Cacel R. Azarcon, Sebastian Ric Nagas, Joshua Emilio Geli, and Joseph Joey Yuipco.
