Political Parties vow continued support to Speaker Romualdez’s leadership
SEVERAL political parties recognized the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who is behind the success of the House of Representatives 19th Congress.
The support for Speaker Romualdez were separately expressed by the political parties — Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), National Unity Party (NUP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Nacionalista Party (NP) and the Party-List Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI).
According to NUP president CamSur Rep. LRay Villafuerte it cannot be denied that the Lower House was productive under the helm of Speaker Romualdez. He pointed out that the Congress was able to pass almost all of the priority bills of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and those mentioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), to be able to help improve the living conditions of the Filipinos especially the poor and the vulnerable sector such as the senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents.
“Spelling better lives for all Filipinos, as committed by the President, has been, and continuous to be, the priority of the 307-strong House of Representatives on the Speaker’s watch, hence the need for greater unity in lieu of political discord,” Villafuerte said.
Lakas-CMD stalwarts Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David “Jay-Jay” Suarez, at House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe also stressed their support to Speaker Romualdez and President Marcos.
They said that under the leadership of Speaker Romualdez the members of the House of Representatives were united in delivering pro-poor legislations that were in line with the development goals of President Marcos.
“Speaker Romualdez’s leadership has been the catalyst for the House’s unprecedented productivity, consistently driving results. His focus on inclusive growth and people-centered reforms demonstrates our collective commitment to improving the lives of every Filipino,” Gonzales said.
The NPC also recognized Speaker Romualdez for pushing for worthwhile reforms and bills of the Marcos Administration in order to raise the quality of life of the farmers, and make sure there is sufficient supply of affordable food, and establish a strong foundation for a strong and inclusive Bagong Pilipinas.
According to NPC spokesperson Quezon 1st District Rep. Mark Enverga, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, it was the intention and direction under the leadership of Speaker Romualdez that strengthened the super majority in the House of Representatives that was behind the passage of legislation needed by President Marcos to address the problems of the country.
“Speaker Romualdez’s leadership is the cornerstone of the House’s historic achievements. His ability to inspire unity and focus on results has made the 19th Congress a key partner of President Marcos in delivering the Bagong Pilipinas vision,” Enverga said.
The Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc. (PCFI), consisting of different party-list organizations in Congress, also passed a resolution detailing its support for Speaker Romualdez and the administration of President Marcos.
“Speaker Romualdez’s leadership has been characterized by integrity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to transformative legislation, earning commendations from his peers and the public, and reinforcing the House’s role as a pillar of democracy,” said in a PCFI resolution led by Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
The PCFI also recognized Speaker Romualdez’ creation of a committee that paved the way for the conduct of thorough investigations such as the Quad Comm that looked into the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations, extrajudicial killings, illegal drugs activities, and Chinese syndicates, that showed the intention of the Lower House to protect and rights of the people and to uphold the law.
“Now therefore, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, that members of the Party-List Coalition Foundation, Inc. hereby express their unwavering support and full confidence in the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, acknowledging his pivotal role in steering the House towards unprecedented legislative achievements, fostering unity among its members, and upholding human rights and social justice in the Philippines,” the resolution also said.
Even the stalwarts of the NP also showed their support to Speaker Romualdez, such as House Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, and Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona.
According to the NP members, the priority bills of Congress complemented the agenda of Bagong Pilipinas.
“Speaker Romualdez’s leadership ensures na ang bawat hakbang natin sa Kamara ay may direksyon at malinaw na layunin para sa ikabubuti ng lahat,” Barbers said. “Siya ang nangunguna sa pagbibigay diin sa pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan ng lahat ng political parties.”
Villar, for her part, also credited the steps taken by Speaker Romualdez in order to strengthen the cooperation between the parties that served as a key to meet the goals of Legislation and its successes.
“With Speaker Romualdez at the helm, we’ve proven that unity in Congress can lead to great outcomes. Ang masipag at masinsin niyang trabaho ang gumagabay sa atin para maipasa ang mga batas na may tunay na benepisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” Villar said.
Meawhile, Madrona said it was Speaker Romualdez who spearheaded the initiative for reforms in the country.
“Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa dami ng naipasang batas kundi sa kalidad at benepisyo ng mga ito sa sambayanang Pilipino,” Madrona added.
