Quezon City: Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Monday urged his fellow lawmakers to support and pass pending landmark digital and technological legislation as the 19th Congress enters its final stretch. 'Let us pass the Open Access in Data Transmission Act to make fast, reliable internet accessible to every barangay,' Romualdez said as he addressed his colleagues during the resumption of session at the House of Representatives in Batasan, Quezon City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez emphasized the urgency of acting on the E-Governance Act, which aims to integrate and digitize government services. 'Let us finalize the E-Governance Act so that public services become faster, smarter and less prone to red tape,' he stated. Furthermore, Romualdez advocated for the passage of the country's first comprehensive law on artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need to embrace innovation without compromising ethics and privacy. 'Let us pass the first-ever Philippine legislation on Artificial Intelligence, to embrace innovation while protecting ethics, privacy and human dignity,' he added.
In addition to digital initiatives, Romualdez expressed full support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s PHP20 per kilo rice program, underscoring the government's responsibility to provide affordable rice to Filipino families. 'Let us support the PHP20 rice program of President Marcos not just as a national policy, but as a promise to every Filipino family struggling to make ends meet,' he urged.
Romualdez took the opportunity to commend the 19th Congress for its accomplishments, highlighting the legislative body's unity and tangible results under President Marcos. 'Let me say this with pride: This House of the People delivered,' he remarked, noting that the House acted on 27 out of 28 LEDAC priority bills and approved 61 out of 64 in the broader Common Legislative Agenda.
He pointed out that these achievements represent more than legislative productivity, as they translate to concrete improvements in the lives of Filipinos. Romualdez also cited several key laws passed, such as measures to combat smuggling, support local agriculture, and build a competitive workforce. 'We cracked down on smugglers and hoarders who make basic goods unaffordable for ordinary families. We gave stronger support to our rice farmers -- with PHP30 billion a year for seeds, mechanization and productivity,' he said.
The House of Representatives also passed laws addressing job-skills mismatches, investing in young workers, and protecting overseas Filipino workers. 'We passed the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers to give dignity and protection to those who power our global maritime reputation,' he noted.
Romualdez attributed these achievements to a culture of collaboration and shared purpose rather than political dominance. 'We bridged divides. We reached across parties. We listened to one another, debated one another, but in the end, we voted for the Filipino,' he concluded, underscoring the power of democracy and the spirit of Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines).
The House of Representatives had 13,868 measures filed between July 25, 2022, and May 28, 2025. Of this number, 11,506 were bills and 2,361 were various forms of resolutions. The chamber also submitted 1,451 committee reports and ultimately approved 1,493 measures on final reading, including 280 Republic Acts -- 93 national and 187 local laws.
