Manila: Public trust in the House of Representatives has climbed to its highest level in recent memory, marking a strong finish under the leadership of reelected Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as Speaker of the recently concluded 19th Congress.
According to Philippines News Agency, the latest national survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) shows trust in the House grew dramatically over just three months. From 34 percent in April 2025, the House's 'much trust' rating jumped to 49 percent in May and reached 57 percent by June. Romualdez's own trust rating followed the same upward trajectory, from 23 percent in April to 26 percent in May and 34 percent in June.
In a statement, House spokesperson, lawyer Princess Abante, said these numbers reflect a deepening confidence in the lower chamber at a time when national issues have tested the strength and independence of the institution. It also demonstrated public recognition of Romualdez's steady leadership during a politically charged final session, she added.
'Speaker Romualdez has united over 300 lawmakers behind one goal: to help President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. fulfill the promise of Bagong Pilipinas. The Filipino people recognize that the 19th Congress got the job done in terms of legislation and oversight functions that truly helped citizens,' Abante said. Under Romualdez, the House passed 61 of 64 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC)-priority measures, including 27 of 28 during the 3rd Regular Session. More than 280 new laws were enacted and over 13,800 measures filed in total, making the 19th Congress one of the most active in recent history.
'Despite the political heat generated by the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, the House stayed focused on legislation that mattered most to Filipinos,' Abante said. Key laws passed during the period include the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, the expanded Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, wage board reforms, the Tatak Pinoy Act and the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act -- measures that targeted food security, job generation, and industrial growth.
In education and healthcare, laws were enacted to expand PhilHealth outpatient benefits, build more specialty hospitals, support learning recovery, improve mental health access and modernize classrooms and teacher training. On sovereignty and peace, the House passed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act to reinforce the country's position in the West Philippine Sea and the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers to ensure global labor protection. The revitalization of the Barangay Development Program also brought critical support to conflict-affected areas.
Abante said this strong finish has raised public expectations for the next Congress. 'The people have seen the results. They've responded with rising trust. The next Congress must build on this trust with the same level of discipline, purpose and productivity,' she said. 'Respect is earned. And Speaker Romualdez earned it through performance. That is the true legacy of the 19th Congress.'
Romualdez is expected to be elected anew as Speaker in the 20th Congress with the support of 283 of the 314 House members. The next speakership vote will take place on July 28, ahead of President Marcos' fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
