THE 24-member Central Luzon bloc has formally declared its “full, unequivocal, and resolute support” for Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, further consolidating unity in the House of Representatives and bringing the total number of lawmakers publicly backing his leadership to 266.
The declaration was made through a resolution adopted on December 15, led by Chairperson Emeritus former president and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Central Luzon bloc President Pampanga 4th District Rep. Anna York P. Bondoc.
Deputy Speaker and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson F. Khonghun and House Committee on Appropriations Chair and Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela B. Suansing were also among the signatories to the resolution, which was signed by lawmakers from Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Aurora and Zambales.
In the resolution, the Central Luzon bloc emphasized that the House is facing heightened political, economic and social challenges, coupled with intensified public scrutiny, making unity and principled leadership not only necessary but imperative.
The bloc said Dy has consistently shown “decisive, inclusive, and steady leadership,” allowing the House to continue operating effectively and responding to national concerns while staying true to its constitutional role, even amid growing pressure and repeated attacks against the institution.
They further cited the Speaker’s emphasis on “accountability, collegiality, and fairness,” and his role in safeguarding “the independence of the House of Representatives against premature judgment, misinformation and undue political attacks.”
“The Central Luzon Bloc recognizes that strong leadership at this critical juncture is essential to preserve institutional integrity, protect the independence of Congress, and ensure the effective delivery of legislative priorities for the Filipino people,” the resolution read.
“Unity within Congress, guided by a strong and capable Speaker, is imperative to overcome divisive forces, uphold public trust, and advance the collective good beyond partisan interests,” it added.
The Central Luzon bloc formally affirmed its confidence in Speaker Dy’s ability “to lead the House of Representatives with strength, wisdom, and integrity during this crucial period in our nation’s history.”
It also called on all House members “to stand united, set aside divisive interests, and work collectively under the leadership of Speaker Dy to protect the institution of Congress and fulfill its mandate to the Filipino people.”
The Central Luzon bloc resolution was made public a day after Deputy Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong dismissed rumors of unrest in the chamber, saying lawmakers remain solidly behind the House leadership amid ongoing budget deliberations.
“In the House of Representatives, we are very solid in terms of our support to the leadership of the House,” Adiong said, adding that Speaker Dy and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos continue to enjoy the confidence of the majority.
Adiong rejected claims of internal tensions threatening the leadership, saying there is “no indication” of any challenge and stressing that reports to the contrary lack factual basis.
The Central Luzon bloc’s declaration adds to a growing wave of regional and sectoral endorsements for Speaker Dy’s leadership.
Just recently, 42 lawmakers from Southern Luzon and the Bicol Region have also issued fresh manifestos expressing “full and unequivocal support” for the Speaker, reinforcing what allies describe as a broad nationwide consensus behind his leadership.
These declarations build on earlier endorsements from 39 lawmakers from the Visayas, 30 from Metro Manila, 67 from Mindanao, the 39-member Northern Luzon Alliance, and 44 members of the Party-list Coalition.
Other signatories to the Central Luzon bloc resolution include Reps. Maria Cristina C. Angeles (2nd District, Tarlac), Alyssa Michaela M. Gonzales (3rd District, Pampanga), Agatha Paula A. Cruz (5th District, Bulacan), Rommel Rico T. Angara (Lone District, Aurora), Antonino B. Roman (1st District, Bataan), Albert S. Garcia (2nd District, Bataan), and Maria Angela S. Garcia (3rd District, Bataan).
Also among the signatories are Reps. Danilo A. Domingo (1st District, Bulacan), Augustina Dominique C. Pancho (2nd District, Bulacan), Mark Cholo I. Violago (3rd District, Bulacan), Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica (4th District, Bulacan), Salvador A. Pleyto (6th District, Bulacan), and Arturo B. Robes (Lone District, San Jose del Monte City).
Completing the list are Reps. Mario O. Salvador (2nd District, Nueva Ecija), Julius Cesar V. Vergara (3rd District, Nueva Ecija), Emerson D. Pascual (4th District, Nueva Ecija), Carmelo G. Lazatin Jr. (1st District, Pampanga), Jaime Eduardo Marc D. Cojuangco (1st District, Tarlac), Noel N. Rivera (3rd District, Tarlac), and Doris E. Maniquiz (2nd District, Zambales)
