FORTY-TWO lawmakers from Southern Luzon and the Bicol Region have issued fresh manifestos expressing “full and unequivocal support” for Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, further strengthening the broad nationwide consensus that has steadily built behind his leadership in recent weeks.
The new declarations bring to 242 the number of House Members who have publicly backed Dy, including 41 from the Visayas, 30 from Metro Manila, 67 from Mindanao, the 39-member Northern Luzon Alliance, and 44 from the Party-list Coalition, some of whom also signed their respective regional manifestos. A few solons also added their names to manifestos after these had initially been released to the media.
In their manifesto, 28 representatives from CALABARZON and MIMAROPA said the moment demands strong and principled leadership, not merely one that is preferred, and that Dy’s “integrity, vision, and commitment stand above the rest.”
“Speaker Bojie embodies the qualities that truly matter most in leadership: steadfast dedication, sound judgment, and an unwavering sense of duty,” the lawmakers said.
Dy’s leadership, they added, is grounded in “empathy, accountability, and results,” with character—not only competence—setting him apart.
“Time and again, Speaker Bojie has shown the ability to listen with respect, decide with fairness, and act with courage—qualities essential for anyone entrusted with the daunting responsibility of leading this august chamber,” the manifesto read.
The group also underscored the value of Dy’s steady hand in a period they described as challenging for both the institution and the nation.
“We cannot but overemphasize the importance of stable leadership in Congress, and Speaker Bojie has been a bastion of stability in these trying times of the country,” they said.
“We are with the Speaker for his relentless drive for transparency, accountability, and legislative efficiency. His steady hand has been a vital force in guiding this organization through the challenges before us.”
Fourteen members of the Bicol bloc signed an equally forceful statement, grounding their support on the need for “reliable, responsive, decisive, inclusive, sincere, and compassionate leadership.”
Representing “one of the most resilient people in the most disaster-vulnerable region,” the bloc said their stand comes as communities continue to recover from typhoons, flooding, earthquakes, and landslides.
They highlighted principles that align with Dy’s leadership: effective and reliable governance, responsiveness, integrity and accountability in public service, equity, collaborative legislation, and compassionate governance.
Warning against disruptions in congressional leadership, the bloc noted that “unnecessary distractions disrupt ongoing programs, hinder coordination, and delay implementation of recovery initiatives.”
They added that maintaining Dy’s leadership “restores the public’s trust and strengthens confidence in our institution as we begin rebuilding.”
“With resolute conviction, we hereby express our full and steadfast support for Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ G. Dy III,” the bloc said. “As Bicolanos, we keenly know the demands of turbulent times; we are confident that our Speaker can navigate us through the darkest storms, ensuring a safe and decisive course toward our vision of Bagong Pilipinas.”
The Southern Luzon signatories include Roy M. Gonzales (Lone District, Santa Rosa City, Laguna); Walfredo “Arman” R. Dimaguila Jr. (Lone District, Biñan City, Laguna); Charisse Anne C. Hernandez (Lone District, Calamba City, Laguna); Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes G. Matibag (1st District, Laguna); Ramil L. Hernandez (2nd District, Laguna); and Loreto S. Amante (3rd District, Laguna).
Joining them were Benjamin C. Agarao Jr. (4th District, Laguna); Lani Mercado-Revilla (2nd District, Cavite); Adrian Jay C. Advincula (3rd District, Cavite); Antonio A. Ferrer (6th District, Cavite); Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla (7th District, Cavite); and Aniela Bianca D. Tolentino (8th District, Cavite).
From Batangas and Rizal, the signatories are Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” R. Luistro (2nd District, Batangas); King George Leandro Antonio V. Collantes (3rd District, Batangas); Amado Carlos A. Bolilia IV (4th District, Batangas); Beverley Rose A. Dimacuha (5th District, Batangas); Ryan S. Recto (6th District, Batangas); Rebecca Maria “Mia” Alcantara-Ynares (1st District, Rizal); Emigdio “Dino” P. Tanjuatco III (2nd District, Rizal); Jose Arturo “Jojo” S. Garcia Jr. (3rd District, Rizal); and Dennis “Tom” L. Hernandez (4th District, Rizal).
Rounding out the CALABARZON signatories are Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga (1st District, Quezon); Reynante U. Arrogancia (3rd District, Quezon); and Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” Tan, D.L. (4th District, Quezon).
The MIMAROPA signatories are Leody “Odie” F. Tarriela (Lone District, Occidental Mindoro); Reynaldo P. Salvacion (Lone District, Marinduque); Jose C. Alvarez (2nd District, Palawan); and Gil “Kabarangay Jr.” Acosta (3rd District, Palawan).
The Bicol bloc signatories include Eulogio “Leo” R. Rodriguez (Lone District, Catanduanes); Carlos A. Loria (2nd District, Albay); Josefina B. Tallado (1st District, Camarines Norte); Nelson S. Legacion (3rd District, Camarines Sur); and Bernadette G. Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon).
Sectoral and additional district representatives who signed are Ramon Rodrigo L. Gutierrez (1-Rider Party-list); Alfred C. Delos Santos (Ang Probinsyano Party-list); Adrian E. Salceda (3rd District, Albay); Rosemarie C. Panotes (2nd District, Camarines Norte); and Arnulf Bryan “Arnie” B. Fuentebella (4th District, Camarines Sur).
Completing the bloc are Wilton “Tonton” T. Kho (3rd District, Masbate); Alfredo A. Garbin Jr. (Ako Bicol Party-list); Terry L. Ridon (Bicol Saro Party-list); and Jose “Bong” J. Teves Jr. (TGP Party-list).
