293 expected to vote for Romualdez as speaker

MANILA, Philippines — The overwhelming majority in the House of Representatives grew stronger, from 287 to 293 lawmakers who are expected to vote for reelected Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez as speaker when the 20th Congress convenes today.

“Backed by 293 of his peers, Rep. Romualdez has shown that he is not only capable of uniting coalitions, but also of steering the chamber toward productivity and lasting impact,” Parañaque Rep. Brian Yamsuan of the National Unity Party said.

Other senior administration stalwarts also predicted a second term for Romualdez as Speaker.

“Under his speakership, the House passed landmark legislations and maintained a very productive working relationship with the executive branch, all while staying true to our constitutional mandate. That kind of leadership is both rare and essential,” Rep. Jesus Eleandro Madrona said.

“His guiding principle has always been clear: support what is good for the country, protect the institution, and always prioritize the people’s welfare,” Madrona added.

“Rep. Romualdez’s track record speaks for itself. He has led the House in passing laws that truly matter to the Filipino people, and he has done so by building consensus and keeping the institution stable,” Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, said.

Former deputy speaker David Suarez and Rep. Janette Garin of Lakas-CMD agreed.

“This is about continuity, competence and a clear path forward. That’s what the House needs. That’s why we support Rep. Romualdez,” Suarez said.

“This is about lawmakers coming together to keep the institution strong and service-oriented. And we believe that Rep. Romualdez is best equipped to lead us in that direction,” Garin said.

They pointed to Romualdez’s role in shepherding landmark measures, including the passage of 61 out of 64 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council or LEDAC priority bills.

“Legislation under Romualdez’s watch has been focused, strategic and always pro-people. That kind of leadership is not easy to come by, and it is even harder to sustain. Yet he has done both,” Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin of the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. said.

Mandaluyong City Rep. Alexandria Gonzales, wife of former House majority leader Neptali Gonzales II, said “it is with deep conviction that I express my wholehearted support for the Speakership of the Honorable Romualdez.”

“I would like to commend him for his swift and anticipatory response to the needs of my district – especially during recent calamities such as devastating fires and, most recently, the habagat-induced flooding,” Gonzales added. “These emergencies came one after the other, and I saw firsthand how quickly his office responded. I am glad that I chose to support him for the speakership, because even this early, I see qualities in him that prove he can truly be relied upon to respond to the needs of the people.”

Thanksgiving mass

Meanwhile, at least 220 members of the House attended a thanksgiving mass at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila yesterday to mark the convening of the 20th Congress today.

The mass was principally officiated by Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.

Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said the mass was also an expression of hope for a better and stronger Philippines, adding that the gathering was not just a tradition, but a statement of faith.

“This thanksgiving mass is more than tradition – it’s a moment of reflection and unity as we begin the 20th Congress. We seek guidance to serve with integrity, wisdom, and a heart for the Filipino people,” Acidre said.

“As we open a new chapter in Congress, we anchor ourselves in faith – asking for strength, clarity, and compassion in the laws we craft and the decisions we make for our nation,” he said.

Bishops Antonio Tobias, Oscar Jaime Florencio and Elias Ayuban Jr. were among the concelebrants.

They were joined by Msgr. Bernie Pantin, secretary-general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, along with other high-ranking officials of the Catholic Church.

Among those in attendance were Reps. Leila de Lima, Suarez, Democrito Mendoza, Rodge Gutierrez, Joel Chua, Terry Ridon, Perci Cendaña, Rufus Rodriguez, Jam Baronda and former senior deputy speaker Aurelio Gonzales II.

On behalf of the House, Acidre thanked Advincula as the main celebrant of the mass.

Lawmakers also expressed thanks to the choir and liturgical ministers, House personnel, congressional staff and all those who helped organize the thanksgiving mass.