PARTY leaders on Thursday strongly backed the decision of the House leadership to elect Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. as Senior Deputy Speaker as they expressed full support to Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos, Jr.

Palawan Rep. Jose “Pepito” Alvarez and Gonzales of PDP-Laban, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers and Camille Villar of Nacionalista Party (NP), and House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan congratulated Gonzales.

“We remain firmly committed to the supermajority formed by Speaker Martin Romualdez in the House of Representatives as part of our continuing efforts to help bring about the reforms needed to propel the country to greater heights. We continue to work hand-in-hand and in close partnership with Speaker Martin Romualdez, who has mobilized a multi-partisan coalition in the House of Representatives to help President Marcos deliver his commitment to our people. The election of Rep. Gonzales shows the strong ties and cooperation between the Speaker’s party Lakas CMD and PDP Laban in serving the Filipino people,” Alvarez said.

“We are in full support of the administration of President Marcos, Jr. and the leadership of Speaker Romualdez as we all vow to ramp up our efforts to boost the economy post-pandemic and to improve the living condition of the Filipino people.

We at PDP Laban believe that the priority bills that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pushing will result in much needed reforms to institutions and industries, and to push socio-economic progress that will benefit more Filipinos,” Alvarez said.

“We, in PDP Laban, congratulate our National Treasurer Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr. for having been elected as Senior Deputy Speaker of the 19th Congress.

We consider the move of the House of Representatives to elevate Rep. Gonzales to the second highest position in the chamber as a recognition of our partymates’ invaluable contribution to the unprecedented work that the House has accomplished less than a year in our term,” Alvarez added.

Gonzales said the PDP-Laban expressed its full support for the administration of President Marcos and the leadership of Speaker Romualdez in the House of Representatives.

“Our party reiterates its unwavering support for both the President and Speaker Romualdez. Together, they have accomplished much for our country and our people,” Gonzales, who is PDP-Laban national treasurer, said.

“Our Speaker is a valuable ally and helping hand to the President in terms of shepherding the administration’s legislative priorities in Congress,” he said.

He said PDP-Laban is thankful to the House and Speaker Romualdez for choosing and electing him as senior deputy speaker.

“As in the past, as a loyal member of the majority, I will always support the Speaker and will continue to work for the benefit of my constituents in the 3rd district of Pampanga and of my kabalen in the province,” Gonzales added.

Barbers said the NP congratulated Gonzales, stressing the latter “is one of our reliable and diligent partners in the House of Representatives and a great addition to the working force of our hard-working Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.”

“We reiterate the party’s strong support to the leadership of Speaker Romualdez who is deeply committed to the well-being and progress of our nation. The party is impressed by Speaker Romaldez’s character and integrity being a strong and decisive leader with understanding and compassionate heart for the people,” Barbers said.

“At the same time, we also reiterate our full support to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., whose 8-point Socio-Economic Agenda serves as our guide in our work as legislators,” Barbers added.

For her part, Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar, NP spokesperson, said the “Nacionalista Party expresses its unequivocal support to the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez of the House of Representatives as we remain fully committed to the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to its vision of a united and prosperous nation.”

Libanan said the minority bloc joined colleagues in congratulating Gonzales who will be a huge asset to the House leadership in his new capacity.

“He will be able to work closely with the minority bloc in overseeing the passage of legislative reforms that are needed to sustain the country’s economic recovery and improve the quality of life of every Filipino family,” Libanan said.

“We reiterate our full support to the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, who has ably steered the House in delivering unprecedented accomplishments less than a year in our terms. The minority is absolutely committed to our partnership with Speaker Romualdez and the entire House leadership, as we seek common ground to swiftly create more jobs and livelihood opportunities, lift a greater number of households from poverty, and move the country forward,” Libanan added.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco