House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez visits the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Camp Guillermo Nakar in Lucena City, Quezon. (Photo from the Office of the House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez)
MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Saturday that the lower chamber is committed to support communities that are cleared of communist insurgency by funding them and implementing development projects.
“We in the House of Representatives are fully committed to supporting the peace-building efforts in recently cleared areas. To consolidate these gains, I will advocate for more infrastructure and barangay development projects, which are crucial for long-term stability,” he said in a statement.
“Rest assured, I will explore legislative measures to support this objective and exert efforts to convince our local executives in joining us for a whole-of-government approach in securing peace for our homeland,” he added.
He likewise expressed his gratitude to the soldiers for their “hard work and sacrifices for the defense of our national sovereignty.”
“Sa mga okasyong ito, naipapaabot namin – sampu ng mga kapwa nating Pilipino – ang aming taos-pusong pasasalamat sa inyo sa lahat ng inyong mga sakripisyo. Mga sakripisyong ginagawa ninyo para bantayan at seguruhin ang pambansang seguridad at soberenya,” he noted.
(On this occasion, we, and the Filipino people extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of your sacrifices, the sacrifices you do to defend and ensure our national sovereignty and security.)
Romualdez also bared that the Southern Luzon Command will receive additional funds to for infrastructure projects, including an administrative building and other facilities.
He also added that soldiers will get a more than 100 percent increase in daily subsistence allowance in 2025.
The House leader assured the soldiers that the P15 billion fund required to implement the allowance increase will be included in the 2025 national budget.