‘Romualdez as speaker good for economy’

MANILA, Philippines — A House of Representatives with congressman-elect Martin Romualdez as speaker will be “good for the economy” given his vast experience in economics and financial markets, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said yesterday.

“Rep. Romualdez’s decision to join the speakership derby is a welcome development as far as the country’s economic managers and business leaders are concerned. Rep. Romualdez as speaker is good for the economy,” said Salceda, senior vice-chairman of the House committee on ways and means.

With Romualdez at the helm, the House can be expected to expedite the enactment into law of President Duterte’s economic reform agenda.

“Rep. Romualdez is not only a banker and economist. He is also a lawyer who knows what are the legislative measures needed to propel the country’s economy to greater heights,” the Albay lawmaker pointed out.

Romualdez holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Cornell University in New York and a Certificate of Special Studies in Administration and Management from Harvard University. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines.

“All the candidates for speaker in the 18th Congress are my friends. They are all worthy of the position. But I am sorry to say this, Martin Romualdez is a cut above the rest. He is primus inter pares,” Salceda said.