Manila: The House of Representatives has elected new leaders for several pivotal committees, notably the Appropriations, Rules, and Quad Comm, in a significant organizational shift aimed at enhancing legislative oversight, fiscal discipline, and coordination of House proceedings in the 20th Congress. This strategic move is expected to fortify the legislative body's efficiency and governance.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela 'Mika' Suansing has been appointed as the chair of the influential Committee on Appropriations, which oversees the national budget. Suansing, a prominent figure among the House Young Guns, will be supported by Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Garcia as the senior vice chair. Her leadership comes at a crucial juncture as the House prepares to review the proposed 2026 national budget.
The Quad Comm, which includes the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts, is integral to major House investigations concerning illegal activities, human rights abuses, and other significant threats to public safety and governance. Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores has been elected as the chair of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs, while Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano takes the helm of the Committee on Public Order and Safety. Meanwhile, Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido 'Benny' Abante Jr. continues as the chair of the Committee on Human Rights, with the Committee on Public Accounts still awaiting a new chair.
Davao de Oro 1st District Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora has been elected as the chair of the Committee on Accounts. Additionally, Marikina 2nd District Rep. Miro Quimbo now leads the Committee on Ways and Means, with Manila 1st District Rep. Ernesto 'Ernix' Dionisio Jr. serving as senior vice chair. The Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability remains under the leadership of Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, while Cagayan de Oro 1st District Rep. Lordan Suan has taken charge of the Committee on Public Information.
To bolster Majority Leader and Rules Committee chair Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos, Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor has been elected senior deputy majority leader. The House also appointed several deputy majority leaders, including Reps. Julienne 'Jam' Baronda, Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Zia Alonto Adiong, among others, to support legislative operations.
Furthermore, the new assistant majority leaders have been named, including Reps. Bai Dimple Mastura, Rhea Mae Gullas, Daphne Lagon, and several others, ensuring comprehensive support for the legislative agenda.
Earlier in the day, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez Jr. administered the oath to Marcos and nine deputy speakers. Romualdez also swore in Secretary General Reginald Velasco and Sergeant-at-Arms retired Police Maj. Gen. Napoleon Taas, completing a day of significant appointments within the House.
