THE House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has finished the first regular session of the 19th Congress strong with flying colors.

This after it managed to approve 33 out of 42 bills listed as priority measures of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

Moreover, the Lower Chamber was was able to process a total of 9,600 measures consisting of 8,490 House bills, 1,109 resolutions and one petition.

In his speech at the House plenary just before the sine die adjournment of the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress Wednesday, Speaker Romualdez thanked the House members whose hard work for the past 10 months helped shape the successes achieved by the legislature in line with President Marcos.

“Congratulations to everyone for this impressive performance. You did not take your jobs lightly. You conducted yourselves with a sense of pride, professionalism and responsibility. You have carried out your individual roles with zest, making sure that you serve as effective voices of your respective constituents,” Romualdez said.

“I also take this opportunity to thank the members of the Minority Bloc, led by our Minority Leader, the Honorable Marcelino “Nonoy” C. Libanan. Your close scrutiny of every piece of legislation has allowed us to bring depth, richness and nuance in the performance of our legislative duties. Sa pagbusisi ninyo sa bawat panukalang batas na ipinapasa natin, nakikita ng lahat na buhay ang demokrasya sa Kongreso,” he added.

The House leader also thanked Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales; all the Deputy Speakers, Majority Leader Manuel Jose ‘Mannix’ M. Dalipe, together with all the Deputy and Assistant Majority Leaders, and Chairpersons of the Standing and Special Committees.

The Speaker reported that the House of Representatives ratified the bicameral conference committee report relative to establishing specialty centers in hospitals under the direct supervision and control of the Department of Health (DoH).

Romualdez is proud to say that unity and good work ethics among members of the 19th Congress are the keys to success of the House of Representatives.

In his closing speech during the adjournment sine die, Romualdez expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their hard work and for their fidelity to their job, resulting in the record-breaking accomplishments of the House of Representatives during the First Regular Session.

“Each and every member of this august body truly deserves commendation for a job well done. Congratulations to all of us! When I assumed the post as your Speaker, I invited each one of you to support and join me in fulfilling the aspirations of the Filipino people. For readily heeding this call, I express my sincerest gratitude to everyone.

“Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat sa sipag na ipinakita ninyo at sa malasakit sa ating mamamayan,” Romualdez said.

“Sa pagbusisi ninyo sa bawat panukalang batas na ipinapasa natin, nakikita ng lahat na buhay ang demokrasya sa Kongreso,” he said.

The Speaker called back to his long-running message of unity, which has become the foundation of the Marcos administration.

The second regular session of the 19th Congress will open in the morning of July 24 before the 2nd State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the afternoon.