Manila: House leaders and members on Wednesday jointly commended Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for his improved public approval ratings in the latest survey, attributing the House of Representatives' legislative accomplishments to his inclusive and strong leadership.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 'Tugon ng Masa' survey conducted by OCTA Research from November 10 to 16, 2024, revealed that Romualdez is among the top government officials trusted by the majority of Filipinos, with a trust rating of 58 percent and a satisfaction rating of 59 percent. Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio 'Dong' Gonzales, Deputy Speaker David 'Jayjay' Suarez, and Majority Leader Manuel Jose 'Mannix' M. Dalipe praised Romualdez's ability to foster unity among political parties, emphasizing that the House under his leadership has passed critical legislation.
House leaders highlighted that many of these laws are landmark pieces reflecting a legislative body committed to the needs of the Filipino people. Quad Committee leaders, including Reps. Robert Ace Barbers, Dan Fernandez, and others, commended Romualdez for prioritizing accountability and good governance through strengthened oversight functions, ensuring transparency and integrity. They noted ongoing investigations into critical issues such as agricultural smuggling, power cost anomalies, and misuse of public funds.
The 'Young Guns' of the House, comprising Reps. Pammy Zamora, Zia Alonto Adiong, and others, lauded Romualdez for his mentorship and inclusivity, empowering the younger generation of lawmakers. They acknowledged his role in ensuring that their initiatives for youth and marginalized sectors receive legislative attention.
Under Romualdez's leadership, the House has achieved historic legislative milestones, processing over 4,760 measures and enacting 166 laws in just 178 session days. These include significant reforms in education, health, and economic recovery, directly impacting millions of Filipinos. Legislative priorities under his guidance aim to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), improve universal healthcare, and enhance disaster preparedness through a National Flood Control Plan.
House members emphasized that Speaker Romualdez ensures every voice is heard, making the House of Representatives a platform for collaboration and nation-building.
