SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday formally adjourned the session of the House of Representatives ahead of the May 2025 elections, declaring that the chamber had fought for the Filipino people, stood against corruption and refused to be swayed by forces seeking to derail the nation’s progress.
According to the legislative calendar of the Third Regular Session of the 19th Congress, the House would resume its session on June 2 until the sine die adjournment on June 13, 2025.
“Isinulong natin ang interes ng sambayanan. Lumaban sa mga puwersa ng kadiliman. Hindi umatras sa kampon ng kasamaan,” Speaker Romualdez said.
Reflecting on the work of the 19th Congress, the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives highlighted the role of the legislature as a force for progress, justice and inclusive governance.
“From the outset of the 19th Congress, we committed ourselves to a singular purpose: to be the vanguard of progress, the custodians of justice, and the architects of a future where every Filipino, regardless of station, has access to opportunity, security and dignity. We have not wavered. We have not faltered,” he declared.
Speaker Romualdez stressed that the House of Representatives was not merely a venue for debate but a crucible of action and reform.
“This chamber has been a crucible of ideas and action, where principled debates gave birth to policies that strengthened our institutions, empowered our people, and fortified our economy,” he said.
Speaker Romualdez pointed to key legislative victories, including measures that directly impact the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
“We have enacted reforms that resonate beyond the walls of Congress—reforms that will be felt in the homes of the ordinary Filipino, in the aspirations of the working class, in the dreams of the youth, and in the resolve of the underserved,” he added.
At the heart of his message was the House’s bold stance against corruption, abuse of power and impunity.
“Ours is a Congress that does not shy away from its responsibility to the people. We are not here to protect the powerful. We are here to serve the people, to stand for what is just, and to ensure that no one is beyond the reach of the law,” he said.
The 19th Congress, under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, was marked by high-profile investigations, including inquiries into the alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds under Vice President Sara Duterte; POGOs, illegal drugs and extrajudicial killing; the high prices of rice and other food items; the rising cost of electricity; and many others.
He reaffirmed the House’s role as a check against those who abuse power, ensuring that no one is above the law.
“No institution is greater than the Republic. No ambition is above the Constitution. And no one – no matter how powerful – is immune from the will of the people,” he said.
Speaker Romualdez issued a strong warning to those who exploit positions of influence for personal gain.
“To those who believe they can manipulate power without consequence, let this House be a reminder: ‘Kasaysayan ang huhusga sa atin. At ang kasaysayan ay walang puwang sa mga duwag,’” he said.
Under his leadership and guidance, the House passed 75 national laws and 112 local laws, including 30 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority measures, eight of which were in direct support of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s vision for the country.
Among the landmark measures passed was the first legislated nationwide wage hike in three decades, which Speaker Romualdez said was a direct response to the needs of Filipino workers.
“Consider the landmark legislative wage hike, the first in three decades. A long-overdue intervention, it will ease the burden of millions of workers, putting food on their tables and hope in their hearts,” he emphasized.
Looking ahead, Speaker Romualdez underscored that the mission of governance remains unfinished, urging lawmakers to continue fighting for the people’s welfare.
“Marami na tayong nagawa. Pero hindi pa tapos ang ating misyon. Umaasa pa rin ang ating mga kababayan sa pangakong dala ng Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
