KEY figures from the Nacionalista Party (NP) expressed their strong support for Speaker Martin G. Romualdez and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s 2025 legislative agenda, commending their leadership and vision in steering the House of Representatives toward continued productivity and unity for the country.
Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers and Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona highlighted the alignment of the 19th Congress’ priorities with the Bagong Pilipinas agenda, saying this ensures legislative measures are directed at the nation’s most pressing needs, especially economic recovery, institutional reforms and improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
“Speaker Romualdez’s leadership ensures na ang bawat hakbang natin sa Kamara ay may direksyon at malinaw na layunin para sa ikabubuti ng lahat,” Barbers said.
“Siya ang nangunguna sa pagbibigay diin sa pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan ng lahat ng political parties,” he added.
Villar emphasized that the Speaker’s leadership style, which fosters collaboration across party lines, has been pivotal in achieving legislative objectives and beyond.
“With Speaker Romualdez at the helm, we’ve proven that unity in Congress can lead to great outcomes. Ang masipag at masinsin niyang trabaho ang gumagabay sa atin para maipasa ang mga batas na may tunay na benepisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” Villar said.
Under Speaker Romualdez’s guidance, the House has approved 27 out of 28 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority measures, including landmark laws such as the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act, the VAT on Digital Transactions and the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Act.
The other LEDAC priority measures include the following approved bills enacted into laws:
1. Amendments to the Government Procurement Reform Act – RA 12009
2. Amendments to the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act – RA 12022
3. Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program (ARAL) – RA 12028
4. Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Program – RA 12063
5. Philippine Maritime Zones – RA 12064
6. Archipelagic Sea Lanes – RA 12065
7. CREATE MORE – RA 12066
8. Amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) – RA 12078
Among the bills pending review of the bicameral conference committee include the following:
1. Blue Economy
2. Amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease
Those measures approved already on third and final reading are the following:
1. Reforms to Philippine Capital Markets
2. Amendments to the Right-of-Way
3. Excise Tax on Single-Use Plastics
4. Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime
5. Department of Water Resources/ National Water Resources
6. Amendments to the Universal Health Care
7. Open Access in Data Transmission
8. Waste Treatment Technology
9. Instituting a National Citizens Service Training (NCST) Program/ Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)
10. Military and Uniformed Personnel Pension Reform Bill
11. E-Governance
12. Amendments to the Philippine Immigration Act
13. New Government Auditing Code
14. Amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) (Rationalizing the Mandate of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation)
“Bilang tagapamuno ng Kamara, si Speaker Romualdez ay nangunguna sa pagtutulak ng tunay na reporma para sa ating bansa. Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa dami ng naipasang batas kundi sa kalidad at benepisyo ng mga ito sa sambayanang Pilipino,” Madrona added.
The NP leaders also underscored how Speaker Romualdez has managed to foster an environment of cooperation in the House, resulting in the approval of 60 out of 64 priority measures under the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA). These include the SIM Registration Act, Maharlika Investment Fund Act and Regional Specialty Hospitals Act.
Villar bolstered this sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative environment under Speaker Romualdez.
“He promotes camaraderie and unity among lawmakers, enabling us to focus on what truly matters – serving our citizens and passing legislation that improves their lives,” Villar said.
Barbers added that their party fully supports the direction set by Speaker Romualdez and President Marcos Jr. for 2025.
“Ang Nacionalista Party ay mananatiling katuwang sa pagbuo ng mga batas na tumutugon sa mga pangangailangan ng bawat Pilipino. We are fully aligned with their vision for progress,” he said.
The NP stalwarts particularly commended Speaker Romualdez for prioritizing legislative measures that address key national issues, such as economic recovery, food security and public health.
“Makakaasa ang ating mga kababayan na ang Kamara, sa pamumuno ni Speaker Romualdez, ay patuloy na magpapasa ng mga batas na may direktang pakinabang sa kanila,” Villar assured.
As the House prepares to reconvene next week, the NP leaders reaffirmed their commitment to passing the remaining LEDAC and CLA priority measures to achieve 100% completion before the end of the 19th Congress.
“We are witnessing a productive and unified House, and it’s largely because of Speaker Romualdez’s example. He sets the tone, and everyone follows suit,” Madrona emphasized.
“With the guidance of Speaker Romualdez and PBBM, we are ready to take on the challenges of 2025 and beyond.”
The Nacionalista Party vowed to work closely with Speaker Romualdez and President Marcos Jr., ensuring that the legislative agenda remains a roadmap for sustainable development and a brighter future for all Filipinos.
“Our achievements are proof that when we work together under strong and inspiring leadership, we can accomplish great things for the Filipino people. Sa tulong ng liderato ni Speaker Romualdez at sa suporta ni Pangulong Marcos, sama-sama nating isusulong ang isang Bagong Pilipinas,” Barbers said.
