Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — Political division threatens the dynamics of Congress “supermajority” blocs in helping President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. achieve his vision for the country, Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. said on Wednesday as he urged for more unity between the legislative and executive departments.
Villafuerte, a Marcos ally who is the National Unity Party president, made the statement a week after Congress adjourned its first regular session under the new administration.
It also came weeks after the first major political tremor since Marcos took office nearly a year ago – an alleged House coup attempt, eventually leading to the ouster of Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as senior deputy speaker.
“Political discord would only put at risk the superb level of cooperation and hard work by the supermajority alliance in the legislature that has helped President Marcos get ahead in his first year in office on his vision for a prosperous and peaceful Philippines,” Villafuerte said.
He also reiterated support for Romualdez as he stressed the need to maintain “greater unity” in sustaining ties between Malacañang and Congress.
“Improving the lives of all Filipinos, as committed by President Marcos, is the priority in the House on the watch of Speaker Martin Romualdez, in lieu of divisive politics, hence the need for greater unity,” he added.
Aside from risking the cooperation of supermajority alliances in Congress, Villafuerte argued that political strife could also “wreak havoc on the agenda for peace and prosperity of President Marcos to improve the lives of all Filipinos.”
It is only under Romualdez, Villafuerte said, that Congress can remain committed to Marcos’ legislative agenda.
He noted that the House passed 42 priority bills under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council before it adjourned sine die last week.
“The House needs to stay the course on the President’s agenda of high and inclusive growth for the benefit of all our people,” Villafuerte said.
The House is still reeling from a massive controversy after Arroyo, who also has deep ties with Marcos, lost her senior House rank in May.
Shortly after, Arroyo said her actions were misconstrued as she had been “suspected of plotting a coup” against presidential cousin Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
Arroyo said, however, that while she was initially gunning for the speakership, it “soon became apparent” that Marcos was “most comfortable” working with Romualdez at the helm of the House.
The saga continued when Vice President Sara Duterte resigned from the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party, which is headed by Romualdez.