House assures Marcos of support

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / LYN RILLON)

MANILA, Philippines — Several members of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez have assured President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. of their support and resolve in defending the country against threats and the Chief Executive as a symbol of sovereignty.

In the manifesto presented to Marcos during the fellowship meeting on Wednesday — copies of which were released on Thursday — Romualdez and other party-leaders in the House said they stand in solidarity with the President.

“Guided by the Philippine Constitution as the supreme law of the land, we, the Members of the House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defend the democratic institutions and sovereignty of our nation. Today, we stand in solidarity with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the duly elected leader of our Republic, as he fulfills his constitutional mandate to serve the Filipino people,” the manifesto read.

“The Philippine Constitution entrusts us with the solemn duty to protect the nation from threats-both internal and external that seek to undermine our independence, security, and democracy.  Recognizing the significant challenges facing the President and his administration, we unite in declaring our firm support for the President and his vision for a Bagong Pilipinas,” they added.

The following principles were declared in the manifesto:

• Defending the President as a symbol of the nation’s sovereignty
• Upholding the rule of law and democratic governance
• Protecting the nation from internal and external threats
• Promoting legislative unity for the nation’s welfare
• Ensuring the president’s mandate is fulfilled

“The Constitution vests executive power in the President, making him the embodiment of the people’s will and the nation’s unity. Any threat against the President is a threat against the Republic. We shall remain vigilant and resolute in ensuring his safety and the stability of his administration,” the lawmakers said.

“The Constitution enshrines the principles of democracy, justice, and the rule of law.  We categorically condemn any attempts to destabilize the government or subvert the administration’s programs aimed at advancing national progress,” they added.

Aside from Romualdez, the following lawmakers signed the manifesto:

• Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr.
• Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe
• Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino II, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) secretary general
• Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte, National Unity Party (NUP) president
• Rizal Rep. Michael John R. Duavit, Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) president
• Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Nacionalista Party (NP) member
• San Jose del Monte Rep. Florida Robes Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) member
• Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco, Partido Navoteño president 

Likewise, the lawmakers gave Marcos a copy of House Resolution (HR) No. 2092, which expressed the chamber’s support of the president. 

This happened on the same fellowship — which was confirmed by the Presidential Communications Office on Wednesday night.

No exact threat was mentioned by lawmakers, but previously, Vice President Sara Duterte made threats against Romualdez, Marcos, and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.

In an online press briefing last November 23, Duterte said she has talked to someone about killing the three, in case she gets killed.

Duterte’s outburst came after she went to the House premises last November 21 to visit her detained chief-of-staff, Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez.

Lopez’ detention was due to the House committee on good government and public accountability citing her for contempt, for undue interference in the hearings.

After leaving Lopez at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, Duterte went to her brother’s office, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte.

But when the House committee decided to transfer Lopez to the Correctional Institute for Women, Duterte hurled expletives at Romualdez and the Marcos couple, before threatening to have them assassinated.