THE House of Representatives on Monday adopted a report from the Committee of the Whole on a resolution upholding the integrity and honor of the institution and expressing appreciation and solidarity to the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez following repeated baseless and unfounded attacks.
House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe (Zamboanga City), sponsored the report on House Resolution (HR) No. 1414 to protect the 310-strong House of Representatives from being maligned any further.
“Seeing how the House leadership continuously changes the lives of many, enthuses me and the majority of the Members of this august chamber to support the leadership of Speaker Romualdez. The encompassing majority believes that if we continue to work together, the House of Representatives could more effectively alleviate poverty, build on a stronger future ahead, and compete on efficiencies through laws, measures, and policies that strengthen our republic, and address the most pressing issues confronting us today. The majority believes that this chamber could achieve all these and many more, under the thriving and inspirational leadership of Speaker Romualdez,” Dalipe said in sponsoring the report of the Committee of the Whole on adopted HR No. 1414.
Seven Deputy Speakers led by Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr. (Pampanga) have signed HR No. 1414. The six other Deputy Speakers include Ralph Recto (Batangas), Camille A. Villar, Vincent Franco “Duke” D. Frasco (Cebu), Roberto V. Puno (Antipolo City), Kristine Singson-Meehan (Ilocos Sur), and Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza (TUCP).
Other House leaders who have signed the resolution were Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan (4Ps), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos (Ilocos Norte), and Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez (TINGOG), and Jude Acidre (TINGOG), Zaldy Co (Ako Bicol), Robert Ace Barbers (Surigao del Norte), Toby M. Tiangco (Navotas), Angelica Natasha Co (BHW), Brian Raymund S. Yamsuan (Bicol Saro), LRay Villafuerte (Camarines Sur), Albert S. Garcia (Bataan), Johnny Pimentel (Surigao del Sur), Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo (Camiguin), Michael John R. Duavit (Rizal), Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga (Quezon), and Jose “Joboy” S. Aquino II (Agusan del Norte).
“While we recognize that legitimate criticisms are but part of the organs of democracy, we are unfazed. We continue to improve the delivery of our constitutionally-mandated obligation to serve the people through legislation,” Dalipe said.
“It is therefore but proper that we stand firm in support of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for his exceptional, reformative, and effective leadership. Let us also continue to uphold the integrity and honor of the House of Representatives as it continues to exemplify the essence of democracy, ensuring the voice of Filipinos, through their elected representatives, is valued and acted upon in a form of legislation,” Dalipe added.
“The House has always taken criticisms as part and parcel of a healthy, vibrant, and working democracy, but it takes exception to statements made that undermine the independence, integrity, and reputation of the institution,” the congressmen stated in HR No. 1414.
“As a source of our strength and inspiration, we support the Speaker’s relentless dedication in amplifying the voice of every Representative, regardless of the challenges and barriers encountered as demonstrated by his staunch commitment to preserving the democratic values,” they said.
Congressmen lamented that “couched statements with threats or insinuations of physical harm to a sitting Member of Congress” have been made, even if the Speaker and other House members were only doing their job as elected members of the country’s lawmaking body.
“In these turbulent times, it is crucial for us to stand firmly behind our Speaker’s leadership, preserving the honor and integrity of the House and pledging our allegiance and unity in opposition to any entity aiming to destabilize the core of our democratic institution,” they said.
In his sponsorship speech during the Committee of the Whole, Gonzales cited Speaker Romualdez’s exemplary leadership responsible for maintaining a dynamic, socially coherent, and independent legislature and his unwavering commitment to defending the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives.
“We are deeply touched by the strong leadership of Speaker Romualdez who chose to uphold the dignity and honor of our beloved institution and its members. With a stalwart leader like Speaker Romualdez, we are confident that no matter what obstacles may come our way, we will always stand strong and we will continue to perform the mandate entrusted to us by the people,” Gonzales, who resigned Monday as member and official of PDP-Laban during Committee of the Whole deliberation on HR No. 1414, said.
Also during the Committee of the Whole, the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), National Unity Party (NUP), Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), Nacionalista Party (NP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Partylist Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI), and Partido Navoteño also expressed full support to the House leadership.
“The public confidence affirms the solid and effective leadership of the Speaker in uplifting the welfare of all Filipinos,” Aquino, Lakas-CMD secretary general, said referring to the 60 percent and 61 percent trust and performance ratings, respectively, of Speaker Romualdez in the recent Octa Research survey conducted between September 30 and October 4, 2023.
“Indeed, the House of Representatives has become the true embodiment of the ‘House of the People’ because Speaker Romualdez’s collaborative and unifying leadership has ensured the swift passage of people-centered and pro-poor legislation.
I would like to commend Speaker Romualdez on his ‘first-in-last-out’ brand of leadership that inspired members of the House and the secretariat to collectively work hard with unwavering commitment, resulting in meaningful legislation for the benefit of the Filipino people. Let us be mindful that these trust ratings are a testament to the dedication of Speaker Romualdez to maintain the integrity of this august chamber and inspire every one of us to work as hard and perform the mandate entrusted to us by the people,” Aquino said.
Garcia, NUP official, said the party expressed its full support to the House leadership in its continued efforts to provide quality service through the steadfast passage of various measures that promote sustainable growth for the people.
“Through the unwavering leadership of Speaker Romualdez, this legislative chamber is able to aid the President’s objective of building a robust economy post-pandemic and ensure that social and economic opportunities are accessible for every Filipino. Under the leadership of Speaker Romualdez, the House was able to pass all 20 priority bills identified by the President and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) before the year 2023 ends. In addition to this, there have been a significant number of measures crafted to propel economic recovery and continuous development for every sector,” Garcia said.
“We support the move to improve spending efficiency through the realignment of confidential government funds in the proposed 2024 General Appropriations Act to other budget priorities in order to further uphold the President’s socioeconomic agenda and to promote greater budget transparency, openness, and accountability. Being at the forefront of public service, we see this declaration as an integral move to address the urgent needs of our fellow countrymen. The NUP deeply appreciates the efforts of the House leadership in ensuring that this legislative chamber continues to be unified in working hand-in-hand to overcome the rising economic and security concerns of our country. This is the best time to show that this August Chamber stands as one in support of the President’s pursuit of guaranteeing the security and stability of our nation,” Garcia added.
