FORMER Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Chief Communications Officer of the Office of the Speaker, on Friday dismissed Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco’s call for a “total overhaul” of the House of Representatives as nothing more than political frustration, stressing the chamber remains firmly united under Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
“Rep. Tiangco’s statements are nothing more than the voice of frustration. Let us recall that he failed to secure either the Speakership or the powerful Appropriations chairmanship at the start of the 20th Congress,” Barbers said.
“Neither he nor Rep. Albee Benitez was even nominated for Speaker. Not a single member of the House cast a vote in their favor. That reality speaks louder than today’s rhetoric,” Barbers added.
Barbers, who served as lead chair of the celebrated House Quad Comm in the 19th Congress, said that party leaders remain committed to the supermajority coalition under Speaker Romualdez, which has driven record legislative productivity.
“The truth is clear: all party leaders remain firmly committed to the supermajority coalition under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez,” Barbers pointed out.
He continued, “This unity has been the cornerstone of the House’s record productivity. Under Speaker Romualdez, the 19th Congress was one of the most productive in our nation’s history, passing landmark laws in support of the Bagong Pilipinas agenda. The 20th Congress is on track to build on that momentum.”
Barbers said the trust of lawmakers in Speaker Romualdez remains strong despite attempts to drag him and other House members into allegations over flood control projects.
“The trust and confidence of House Members in the leadership of Speaker Romualdez remain unshaken. Allegations raised against him and other lawmakers regarding flood control projects are baseless, without evidence, and sourced from polluted origins,” Barbers declared.
Barbers noted that the Speaker “has categorically denied these accusations and has repeatedly stated that anyone proven guilty of wrongdoing will never be shielded by his leadership.”
Barbers added the House remains focused on its work and will not be distracted by political intrigue.
“The House of Representatives stands solid and united. We will not be distracted by intrigues or political sour grapes. Our mission is clear: to continue delivering meaningful legislation and oversight that will benefit every Filipino family,” Barbers said.
Barbers ended the statement by underscoring the need for continuity in lawmaking, not disruption.
“Hindi po overhaul ang kailangan ng Kongreso. Ang kailangan ay tuloy-tuloy na trabaho at mas maraming batas na pakikinabangan ng taumbayan,” Barbers emphasized.
