Manila: Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III on Wednesday congratulated Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on his formal election as Senate President, expressing confidence that Congress will continue to advance measures that promote economic growth, strengthen public services, and improve the lives of Filipinos. 'The House of Representatives congratulates Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on his formal election as Senate President,' Dy stated.
According to Philippines News Agency, Speaker Dy highlighted that Gatchalian's leadership comes at a pivotal time as Congress addresses issues impacting Filipinos. He reaffirmed the House's dedication to collaborating with the Senate to push for priority legislation and reforms that meet public needs.
'The House remains committed to working with the Senate in advancing priority legislation, strengthening the economy, and delivering meaningful reforms that benefit our people,' Dy said. He emphasized that the cooperation between the two legislative bodies has been key in moving forward significant measures to expand economic opportunities, improve access to education and healthcare, and fortify social protection programs.
Dy stressed the importance of Congress focusing on proposals beneficial to the public, noting that collaboration between the two chambers accelerates necessary reforms. 'Ang mahalaga ay manatiling nakatuon ang Kongreso sa mga panukalang makatutulong sa ating mga kababayan. Kapag nagtutulungan ang dalawang kapulungan, mas mabilis nating naihahatid ang mga repormang kailangan ng sambayanan (It is important that Congress maintains its focus on measures that will help our countrymen. When the two chambers cooperate, reforms needed by the people are delivered faster),' he stated.
The Speaker also expressed optimism about continuing the longstanding collaboration between the House and the Senate under Gatchalian's leadership. "We look forward to maintaining a productive partnership with the Senate under the leadership of Senate President Gatchalian, guided by mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving the nation," Dy remarked.
House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos of Ilocos Norte also welcomed Gatchalian's election, noting it would allow the Senate to move beyond its leadership dispute and focus on pending work. He noted that Gatchalian's leadership style would bring stability and focus back to the Senate. "I have worked with him and I know how level-headed he can be. So, I think that's exactly what this current political climate needs, especially there in the Senate, level-headedness and just the need for all of us to really get back to work," Marcos said.
Marcos pointed out that despite the House's approval of many of the administration's priority measures, Congress still has matters to address during the special session called by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. This includes awaiting the ratification of several bicameral conference committee reports and the Commission on Appointments' consideration of pending promotions, particularly those of senior military officials.
The Majority Leader highlighted that the Senate leadership impasse had delayed the confirmation of several military officials due for promotion, adding, 'I believe it's the seven or eight, the generals who were due for promotion but as a result of the leadership struggle in the Senate, were not able to be confirmed, so that is what we are waiting for now.'
