Romualdez reaffirms support for Duterte’s federalism agenda

MANILA, Philippines — Leyte Representative-elect Martin Romualdez remains committed to advancing the constitutional reforms in the next Congress to sustain the country’s economic growth.

Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), said Wednesday the incoming House leadership must continue to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s efforts to amend the Constitution.

He said the push for Charter change (Cha-cha) should be in the list of priorities of national leaders as this would complement the Duterte administration’s initiatives to accelerate economic growth.

“We will keep our dedication, commitment, passion and the flame burning in pursuing federalism until we reap the real benefits of genuine constitutional reforms for our children and the succeeding generations,” said Romualdez, one of the frontrunners in the Speakership race.

“I urge my colleagues and the Filipino people to stand behind President Duterte and help push a federal Constitution to create opportunities and for strong economic growth to be also felt by ordinary people,” said Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD).

“The federalism advocacy of President Duterte is a golden opportunity to unlock the doors of peace, progress, and prosperity of the country and the people,” he added.

Last December, the House of Representatives voted 224-22 with three abstentions approving on third and final reading its version of a federal Constitution under Resolution of Both Houses No. 15, of which Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is one of the principal authors.

Romualdez, the former House Independent Bloc Leader of the 16th Congress or during the Aquino administration, also renewed Philconsa’s commitment to defend and protect the 1987 Constitution.

He pointed out that the Constitution serves as a “Bible of good governance” and “beacon of light” in ensuring the country’s political and economic stability.

“Let us join hands to maintain the pristine supremacy of the Constitution,” said Romualdez, who will serve his fourth term as Leyte congressman in the incoming 18th Congress.

Romualdez said Philconsa, the oldest and respectable association of legal luminaries in the country which has been existing for almost 58 years, remains very supportive of President Duterte’s federalism initiative.

“I am proud to say that the Philconsa has become the premier marketplace for the healthy and vibrant exchange of ideas, perceptions, and insights on constitutional issues affecting public interest. We have been doing this consistently with our aim to incite and stimulate awareness, respect, and obedience to the Constitution,” said Romualdez.

“The Philconsa is a classic paragon of democracy. It encourages everyone to say his piece, and out of this composite of ideas, insights, and impressions, we hope to reach a consensus on what is good and what is best for our country and our people,” he added.

Aside from Romualdez, among the notable leaders of Philconsa are retired Court of Appeals Justice Manuel “Lolong” Lazaro as chairman, former Chief Justice Reynato Puno as President Emeritus and other legal luminaries.