THE House of Representatives led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, on Tuesday formally entered into a partnership agreement with the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), for the pursuit of evidence-based, people-oriented and effective legislation, particularly those that support the eight-point socioeconomic agenda of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
In his message, Romualdez described the partnership agreement as an important step in achieving the House’s goal to bring about a smarter institution, equipped with the means by which lawmakers could effectively pursue evidence-based and people-oriented legislation in a timely manner.
Under the Memorandum of Agreement between the House and ADMU, 11 research teams will be created to examine the factors adversely affecting the attainment of this eight-point agenda. According to the Speaker, these teams will “come up with key legislative and budget interventions to address these development constraints.”
ADMU was represented by its President, Fr. Roberto “Bobby” Yap.
Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo, who spearheaded the project, stressed that the partnership aims to promote evidence-based policy-making. “We welcome discussion and debate, criticism too, especially if strictly constructive. We will learn from each other and we will work together to produce life-improving legislation for the Filipino people,” she said.
Also present in the event were Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, Committee on Accounts Chairperson Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Committee on Appropriations Chairperson, and House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, among others.
Immediately after the MOA signing, Quimbo facilitated the first of a series of round table discussions, on the topic “Reforming the Energy Sector: Addressing High Power Prices.”
