Romualdez lauded for leadership in fulfilling legislative agenda

MANILA, Philippines — Different political parties, including his own Lakas-CMD, have praised House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s leadership in helping the chamber fulfill the administration’s legislative agenda.

In a joint statement on Monday, Lakas-CMD stalwarts — House officials like Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David Suarez, and Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe — praised Romualdez for his “strategic and decisive approach,” which they said led to “transformative reforms” and the country’s economic recovery.

According to the three officials, Romualdez was key in unifying Congress toward President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s development goals.

“Speaker Romualdez’s leadership has been the catalyst for the House’s unprecedented productivity, consistently driving results. His focus on inclusive growth and people-centered reforms demonstrates our collective commitment to improving the lives of every Filipino,” Gonzales said of Romualdez, party president of Lakas-CMD.

“Under Speaker Romualdez, the House is building a legacy of inclusive development, paving the way for a stronger, more resilient Philippines,” Gonzales added.

Suarez meanwhile cited different measures passed by Congress and signed into law by Marcos, like Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, and RA No. 12078, which extended the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund until 2031.

READ: Anti-agri economic sabotage law a ‘turning point’ for PH – Romualdez

“These measures, passed under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, address long-standing issues in agriculture. They dismantle cartels, empower farmers, and ensure food security,” Suarez said.

“Speaker Romualdez ensures the House remains a strategic partner of President Marcos in delivering a Bagong Pilipinas where no Filipino is left behind,” he added.

READ: Marcos OKs RCEF extension, VAT refund for foreign tourists

Dalipe also said the House approved on third reading 61 of the 64 priority measures of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.

“Speaker Romualdez’s leadership shows what unity and focus can achieve. He has ensured that we pass forward-looking laws that make an immediate impact on millions of Filipinos,” he said.

“The leadership of Speaker Romualdez has shown that transformative change is possible when we work together. Moving forward, the House will champion reforms that build a more inclusive and prosperous nation,” he added.

Aside from Lakas-CMD, other political parties also lauded Romualdez’s leadership.  House committee on agriculture and food chairperson and Quezon 1st District Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga, a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, said that legislative policies under Romualdez have supported farmers while also securing food supplies.

“Speaker Romualdez’s leadership is the cornerstone of the House’s historic achievements. His ability to inspire unity and focus on results has made the 19th Congress a key partner of President Marcos in delivering the Bagong Pilipinas vision,” Enverga said in a separate statement.

“This law is a game-changer for our farmers and all Filipinos who rely on affordable food. It dismantles the decades-long control of cartels and manipulators in the supply chain,” he added, referring to R.A. No. 12022. “Through Speaker Romualdez’s decisive leadership, we acted swiftly to protect our farmers, uphold market integrity, and secure our nation’s food supply.”

Also, Enverga said the House was able to ensure accountability in implementing agricultural and social programs.

“Speaker Romualdez’s commitment to good governance guarantees that the laws we pass are implemented effectively and benefit those who need them the most,” Enverga said.

“Speaker Romualdez has shown us what true leadership can achieve. Together, we must build on this momentum to make agriculture a pillar of national progress,” Enverga stressed.   “Under his guidance, we will continue to champion the welfare of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk for a brighter future.”

READ: PCC urged to probe possible rice cartel in PH

On Sunday, Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. LRay Villafuerte also praised the Speaker, saying that Romualdez’s leadership has led to productive years for the House.

“Alongside its record legislative productivity, the House — on Romualdez’s watch —has excellently harnessed its congressional oversight function to ensure government accountability in the implementation of programs and projects, especially those meant to uplift the lives of the poor and underprivileged sectors such as senior citizens, PWDs (persons with disabilities) and solo parents,” Villafuerte, president of the National Unity Party, said.

“Speaker Martin has traced the impressive performance of the 307-member House to the continued hard work and diligence of his colleagues, but, in all modestly, has failed to mention that this unbroken record of enormous legislative productivity in the 19th Congress couldn’t have happened minus the purposive, action-oriented leadership of the congressman from Leyte in shepherding through the chamber nearly all of the priority measures of the Marcos presidency,” he added.