FILE PHOTO: Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co. Photo from the official Facebook Page of Congressman Co
MANILA, Philippines — A coalition of party-list organizations in the House of Representatives is reiterating its support for the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
The Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. asserted that the House of Representatives pushed for advanced initiatives under the watch of Romualdez, whom they described as someone with “exceptional vision.”
The association released such pronouncement amid rumor of a coup plot in the House of Representatives as Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came out with a statement last week saying her actions may have been misconstrued to result in claims that she was staging a coup in the lower chamber.
Arroyo issued the statement a day after her removal as senior House deputy speaker. Fellow Cabalen, Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., has since been elected as her replacement for the post.
In a statement Friday, the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. confirmed holding a gathering to express their support for Romualdez – saying that it “marked a renewal of commitment and served as a testament to the significant contributions” by the Speaker.
“We commend Speaker Romualdez’s exceptional vision and unwavering dedication to achieving balance and fairness in the work we do,” group president and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said.
READ: Speaker Romualdez addresses ‘coup’ rumors; says House ‘to focus on work’
“Under his leadership, the House has successfully tackled critical challenges and advanced initiatives that have strengthened our economy and safeguarded the rights and freedoms of all Filipinos. We firmly support his leadership and look forward to working together to address the urgent needs of our nation,” he added.
Co also said the “coalition issued a resolute manifesto, expressing its collective admiration and support for Speaker Romualdez.”
“The manifesto highlighted Speaker Romualdez’s remarkable work in advancing the welfare of the Filipino people and his dedication to the principles of democracy,” he said.
READ: House is in order, says Romualdez
“The celebration of the Sine Die of the 19th congress added an extra layer of significance to the gathering, serving as a reminder of the achievements and challenges overcome during the legislative term,” he said.
“As the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. continues its mission to promote social equity and progress, the unwavering support for Speaker Martin Romualdez and the celebration of the Sine Die of the 19th Congress stand as symbols of unity, determination, and commitment to serving the Filipino people,” he added.
Previously, Arroyo admitted that she initially aspired to be Speaker when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. won in the 2022 national elections. But this changed, she said, as she realized the wisdom behind having Romualdez as the Speaker. Romualdez is a cousin of Marcos.
READ: Arroyo: My replacement as senior deputy speaker was House’ prerogative