House Visayan bloc supports Romualdez leadership

MANILA, Philippines — Thirty-four members of the Visayan bloc in the House of Representatives have signed a “manifesto of support” for Speaker Martin Romualdez, who has been the subject of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s tirades.

“We, the Visayan bloc, would like to express our unwavering and resolute support for the esteemed Speaker from the Visayas, Speaker Romualdez,” read the first paragraph of the resolution, referring to the House leader who represents the first district of Leyte province.

“Under his leadership, the House has passed significant measures towards promoting social justice, economic development and environmental stability,” the statement, whose signatories included actor-turned-congressman Rep. Richard Gomez of Leyte’s fourth district, declared.

“We reaffirm our belief that the Speaker has led the ‘House of the People’ with the principles of integrity, unity, transparency and strict adherence to the law, including adherence to COA (Commission on Audit) audits,” the Visayan legislators stressed.

Among the signatories were Reps. Francisco Benitez (Negros Occidental), Carlito Marquez and Teodorico Haresco (Aklan), Jocelyn Limkaichong (Negros Oriental), Lorenz Defensor and Ferjenel Biron (Iloilo), Edgar Chatto (Bohol) and Rhea Mae Gullas (Cebu).

Neophyte Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of party-list Bicol Saro also threw his full support behind Romualdez’s leadership, saying his “inclusive and action-oriented leadership” was instrumental in the speedy passage of all the priority bills of the Marcos administration.