DPUTY Speaker and Bacolod Lone District Rep. Albee Benitez on Monday credited the leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III and the collective efforts of House members and employees for the improving public trust in the House of Representatives, saying the chamber has remained focused on reforms and its constitutional duties.
Speaking at the weekly flag-raising ceremony at the House of Representatives, Benitez cited survey results showing that the House of Representatives has surpassed the Senate in trust ratings.
“I like to quote a senator who said, ‘that for the first time in history nalampasan ng trust rating ng Congress ang Senado,’” Benitez said.
“Sabi ko, pasensya sila, wala silang Speaker Dy. Hindi lang po dahil sa kagwapuhan ng ating Speaker, but sa mga ginagawa rin niya.”
“Unang-una, mga political dynasty bill na pinasa na po natin. Ang iba pang legislative actions na ginagawa ng ating mahal ng Speaker. Ito po ay nagcontribute sa ating mataas na rating,” he added.
Benitez said the gains in public trust were the result not only of the House leadership but also of the work of lawmakers, officers, employees, and staff who continue to support the institution.
“I would like to thank of course, all of those who also contribute to that high survey ranking,” he said.
Dy last week stated that lawmakers in the House “are focused on being productive and maximizing the remaining session days. Habang may panahon, patuloy natin ginagawa ang trabaho at mandatong ipinagkatiwala sa atin ng sambayanang Pilipino.”
From May 25 to 26, the House approved 36 bills on third reading while 29 measures were passed on second reading.
Aside from the productivity of the House, Benitez also pointed to the House vote to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte as proof that members of the chamber were willing to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and pursue accountability.
“Ang pinakaproof of this is the 257 who voted in favor of our impeachment, and that is actually a resounding number that is sending a clear message across the country na tayo po ay naghahanap ng katotohanan, tayo po ay maka-Pilipino, tayo po ay nagmamahal sa ating sariling bansa,” Benitez said.
According to Benitez, the overwhelming vote demonstrated that House members were prepared to act on matters of national importance and send a clear message that the institution remains committed to truth, accountability, and the welfare of the Filipino people.
