Velasco honored as House Speaker during last session day of 18th Congress
FILE PHOTO: Speaker Lord Allan Velasco (Photo from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives)
MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Lord Allan Velasco was honored Wednesday as the House of Representatives adjourned its final session for the 18th Congress.
During Wednesday’s session, the lower chamber adopted House Resolution No. 2604, commending Velasco “for his exemplary and dynamic leadership during the 2nd and 3rd Regular Session of the 18th Congress.”
“Given his commitment to uphold the highest standards of public service, Speaker Velasco skillfully navigated the House of Representatives amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse impacts on our economy and society,” House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, who is poised to succeed Velasco, said in sponsoring the resolution.
“He faithfully discharged the mandate of his office with excellence, integrity, and composure during this tumultuous times,” he added.
Romualdez added that Velasco “rose to the occasion with ingenuity, strength, and determination.”
Article continues after this advertisement“Honorable Velasco truly enjoys the trust and confidence of his fellow House members,” Romualdez said.
Article continues after this advertisement“The majority of the members of the House of the Representatives approved in no time priority, responsive, and relevant legislative measures amid to bring significant gains and meaningful economic, social, cultural, and political changes,” he added.
Romualdez likewise called Velasco a “compassionate and collaborative leader,” adding that the Speaker displayed “an inclusive consultative brand of leadership.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, the sound judgement of the Honorable Speaker Lord Allan Velasco has led the House of Representatives to achieve legislative milestones founded on responsiveness, relevance, and efficiency,” he said.
“His humble and tranquil personality was instrumental towards a successful stewardship of this august body in crafting enabling laws,” he added.
For his part, Velasco thanked his colleagues, including Romualdez and Minority Leader Joseph Stephen Paduano.
“Despite the many challenges that happened during my tenure as your Speaker, we have risen and proven ourselves to be One Congress, ready to serve our people,” Velasco said.
“One Congress, ready to scrutinize the national budget, to pass laws, to conduct hearings, to provide oversight on the implementation of laws, and to generally make it easier for the next Congress and its leadership, to continue the legislative work for the sake of our ‘kababayans’,” he added.
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