THE House of Representatives has emerged stronger from one of the most challenging periods in recent legislative history after standing firm on its constitutional responsibilities, passing key reform measures, and maintaining public trust despite political controversies and leadership transitions, House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan of 4PS Party-list said Wednesday.
In his sine die adjournment speech before the House of Representatives, Libanan said the chamber faced a series of major tests during the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress, including allegations of corruption in flood control projects, leadership changes, global economic pressures triggered by conflict in the Middle East, and the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
“If there was one issue that tested this institution more than any other, it was the impeachment proceedings involving the Vice President,” Libanan said.
“Reasonable minds may differ on the merits of impeachment. That is the essence of democracy. But one fact remains beyond dispute: this House did not shirk from its constitutional duty,” he said.
The Minority Leader likewise commended House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos III for steering legislative measures through the chamber.
“With intelligence, patience, and political maturity beyond his years, he skillfully shepherded numerous measures through the legislative process, built consensus among differing viewpoints, and ensured that the work of this chamber moved steadily forward,” Libanan said.
“Time and again, he demonstrated that leadership is not merely about counting votes but about earning trust,” he said.
Libanan also lauded Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III for keeping the House focused on its work amid political turbulence.
“History often renders its judgment on leaders not in times of stability, but in moments of uncertainty,” he said.
“Yet amid the turbulence, you remained focused on the work that truly matters—the work of serving the Filipino people,” Libanan said.
“Sa gitna ng mga hamon, kontrobersiya, at pagbabago ng panahon, hindi po ninyo hinayaang mawala sa landas ang Kapulungang ito. Habang ang iba ay nakatingin sa pulitika, kayo po ay nakatuon sa paglilingkod,” Libanan said.
Libanan stressed that the House acted because the Constitution required it.
“Hindi po natin hinanap ang tungkuling ito. Hindi po natin pinili ang pagkakataong ito. Ngunit nang tawagin po tayo ng Saligang Batas, tumugon po tayo. We acted because the Constitution required it. We acted because our oath demanded it,” he said.
The Minority Leader said the House chose to confront difficult issues rather than avoid them.
“Sa panahong ang pinakamadaling gawin ay manahimik, pinili ng Kapulungan na gampanan ang tungkulin nito. Sa panahong ang pinakamadaling gawin ay umiwas, pinili nating humarap. At sa panahong ang pinakamadaling gawin ay magpalusot, pinili nating manindigan,” Libanan said.
“That, more than anything else, defines this Congress,” he added.
Libanan said adversity ultimately revealed the strength of the institution.
“This House was tested repeatedly throughout this First Regular Session. Yet despite every challenge, every controversy, every disagreement, and every political storm, this institution continued to function. Laws were passed. Debates were held. Oversight was exercised. And public service continued,” Libanan said.
The veteran lawmaker also highlighted what he described as the constructive role played by the Minority Bloc throughout the session.
“The Minority did not merely criticize. We contributed,” he said.
“We worked constructively with our colleagues in crafting legislation, particularly the national budget, because we understood that the Filipino people deserve solutions, not endless political conflict,” he said.
Libanan paid tribute to 4Ps Party-list Rep. J.C. Abalos, chairman of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, for leading investigations involving fellow lawmakers.
“Sa kanyang pamumuno, ipinakita ng Committee on Ethics and Privileges na ang pananagutan ay nagsisimula sa ating sariling hanay. Kung hinihingi po natin ang accountability mula sa iba, dapat handa rin po tayong pairalin ito sa ating sarili,” Libanan said.
Libanan cited several major accomplishments of the House, including the enactment of the 2026 General Appropriations Act, the extension of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), the law providing for the automatic suspension or reduction of excise taxes on petroleum products during extraordinary increases in world oil prices, and legislation strengthening the Bangsamoro transition process.
“These measures may not always generate headlines, but they will leave a lasting impact on the lives of our people,” he said.
The Minority Leader also underscored what he described as growing public confidence in the institution.
“Mahalaga pong tandaan na ang institusyong ito ay umiiral lamang dahil sa tiwalang ipinagkakaloob ng sambayanan,” Libanan said.
“Sa kabila po ng mga hamon at kontrobersiyang ating hinarap, dumoble ang trust rating ng Kamara—mula 31% sa Pulse Asia Survey noong Disyembre 2025 tungo sa 62% sa survey ng RP-Mission and Development Foundation, Inc. noong Mayo 2026,” Libanan said.
“This is not only recognition of our work, but a reminder that public trust remains the true source of our mandate and strength as an institution,” he added.
As the House adjourned its First Regular Session, Libanan urged lawmakers to continue focusing on public service and unfinished reforms in the remaining two years of the 20th Congress.
“And if there is one lesson this session leaves with us, it is this: Ang matatag na institusyon ay hindi po iyong hindi nasusubok. Ang matatag na institusyon ay iyong hindi sumusuko kapag sinusubok,” Libanan said.
