TUTUTUKAN ng Kamara de Representantes sa nalalabing sesyon ng 19th Congress ang pagpapalakas ng pambansang seguridad at pagpapaunlad ng ekonomiya, ayon kay Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

“As we embark on another session this April 29th, our legislative focus sharpens on the dual imperatives of national security and robust development. Recognizing that peace is the cornerstone of prosperity, we aim to enact laws that fortify our national defense and enhance our international security posture,” ani Speaker Romualdez sa isang forum ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) na dinaluhan ng mga diplomat at opisyal ng gobyerno.

“These initiatives are critical in maintaining sovereignty and stability, enabling our nation to pursue development goals without the shadow of external threats,” sabi pa nito.

Sinabi ni Speaker Romualdez na ang development agenda ng Kamara ay “expansive, targeting pivotal areas such as healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure.”

“In healthcare, we are committed to expanding access and improving the quality of services, making healthcare affordable and accessible to every Filipino. Our initiatives in education aim to create a more liberalized system that not only meets global standards but also equips our youth with the necessary skills to thrive in a globalized economy. Additionally, by enhancing our digital infrastructure, we aim to ensure that every Filipino can benefit from the digital revolution, bridging digital divides and fostering economic inclusivity,” sabi pa nito.

Idinagdag pa ng lider ng Kamara na sa pagpapalakas ng kapayapaan at seguridad ay lilikha ang Kongreso ng kapaligiran na pabor sa pagpapaunlad ng ekonomiya.

“These, in turn, contribute to further stabilizing our nation by reducing poverty, creating jobs, and improving living standards, which in turn diminishes the likelihood of social unrest. This virtuous cycle is fundamental to sustainable development and is a cornerstone of our legislative agenda,” giit pa nito.

Ipinunto ng lider ng Kamara na ang layunin nito at ng kanyang mga kasama ay “ambitious.”

“We aim not only to continue our current path but to accelerate our efforts. We are exploring innovative legislative measures that promote technological advancement and environmental sustainability. These initiatives are designed to ensure that the Philippines not only keeps pace with global trends but also sets a benchmark for innovation and responsible governance,” sabi nito.

Inimbitahan din ni Speaker Romualdez ang lahat ng sektor na tumulong sa Kamara.

“Your insights, expertise, and participation are invaluable as we forge a path forward. Through collaborative efforts, we can build a future that reflects our highest aspirations and fulfills the promise of prosperity and peace for all Filipinos,” sabi pa nito.

Ginamit din ng pinuno ng Kamara ang pagkakataon upang isulong ang panukalang amyendahan ang Konstitusyon partikular ang mga economic provision.

“We also recognize the need for more dynamic economic policies. Thus, we are advocating for amendments to specific sections of Articles twelve, fourteen, and sixteen of the Philippine Constitution,” sabi pa nito.

Nais ng panukala na ipasok ang phrase na “unless otherwise provided by law” upang bigyan ng otoridad ang Kongreso na baguhin ang mga itinakdang limitasyon nang naaayon sa pangangailangan ng bansa.

“Our extensive hearings on this matter have illuminated the broad benefits these amendments would bring, enabling more flexible, responsive governance. By enabling these adjustments, we can significantly enhance the Philippines’ stature as an attractive destination for investments. More investments mean more resources, which support sustained economic growth,” sabi pa nito.

Ayon kay Speaker Romualdez, ang panukala ay inaasahang magreresulta sa pagdami ng mapapasukang trabaho na makatutulong sa mga pamilyang Pilipino.

Sinabi rin ng pinuno ng Kamara na mayroon ng mga ginawang reporma ang Mababang Kapulungan upang ma-enganyo ang mga negosyante na mamuhunan sa bansa gaya ng pagpapababa sa corporate income tax at pagbibigay ng insentibo sa mga negosyante.

“We enacted pivotal tax reforms designed to invigorate our economy by simplifying the tax code, encouraging investment, and ensuring a fairer system for all. These measures have laid the groundwork for a more robust economic framework, attracting foreign investments and stimulating local entrepreneurship,” dagdag pa nito.

Iginiit rin ni Speaker Romualdez ang pagsuporta ng Kamara sa pagpapatuloy ng “Build, Build, Build” program.

“This ambitious initiative has not only improved connectivity across our archipelago but also generated tens of thousands of jobs, bolstering our economy and enhancing the daily lives of our citizens,” wika pa ng lider ng Kamara.

Sa larangan ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa ibang bansa, inulit ni Speaker Romualdez ang foreign policy mantra ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. — “the Philippines is a friend to all, enemy to none.”

“It is through collaborative efforts that we can address our common problems more swiftly and effectively. In the volatile, uncertain, and complex environment of today, a thoughtful response, rather than a hasty reaction, and extending a helping hand rather than retreating, are what wisdom dictates,” wika pa nito.

Sinabi ni Speaker Romualdez na marami ng ginawang hakbang upang mapalalim pa ang relasyon ng Pilipinas sa ibang bansa.

“Our diplomatic efforts were pivotal during the historic trilateral meeting between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines at the outset of April. This meeting underscored our strategic role in regional politics and security,” sabi pa nito.

Ang forum ng DFA ay tinawag na Second Foreign Policy Address (FPA) na nakatuon sa “New Initiatives to Grow Business in the Philippines.”

Si Speaker Romualdez ay inimbitahan bilang guest of honor at speaker. Siya ay ipinakilala ni DFA Assistant Secretary Celia Anna Feria, ang moderator ng forum. Si DFA Undersecretary Antonio Morales naman ang nagbigay ng kanyang opening remarks.

Bukod sa mga diplomats at opisyal ng gobyerno, mayroon ding kinatawan sa event ang academe at business community. Dumalo rin ang mga opisyal ng DFA sa pangunguna ni Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Ang DFA FPA ay isang plataporma kung saan naipapahayag ng mga mambabatas ang kanilang pananaw at isyu ng polisiya na maaaring magkaroon ng implikasyon sa foreign policy ng bansa.