The high performance rating of the House leadership as indicated in a recent survey reflects people’s sentiments on pressing issues, including the need to realign confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) to security agencies, lawmakers said yesterday.
“The OCTA Research 2023 third quarter survey was conducted between Sept. 30 and Oct. 4. That’s when the controversy around the House decision to reallocate CIFs from civilian offices to agencies having to do with national security was brewing,” senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales said.
The OCTA survey showed Romualdez’s satisfaction rating rose by six points from 55 percent to 61 percent, while his trust ratings improved from 54 percent to 60 percent.
Gonzales said the survey results showed Filipinos were aware of the issue due to its wide coverage in mainstream and social media.
“They agreed with the House decision as reflected in the significant increase in the levels of their trust and their approval of the performance of our leader, Speaker Romualdez,” he said.
Romualdez, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the public for his high ratings but said credit should be given to the collective strength and dedication of all members of the House of Representatives.
“These ratings are not just numbers. They mirror the dedication and teamwork of the hardworking members of the House,” said Romualdez.
“Every decision made, every bill passed, is a result of our united efforts to serve the Filipino people,” he added.
Romualdez underscored the role of surveys as tools of governance.
“Surveys like OCTA’s are more than just statistics. They are indicative of the people’s sentiments on pressing issues, providing us with insights that are crucial in shaping our legislative priorities.”
“We view these feedback mechanisms as essential guides. They help us align our legislative work with the needs and aspirations of the Filipinos,” the Speaker added.
Ako-Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, chairman of the House committee on appropriations, said the trust ratings of Romualdez continued to climb because of the unrelenting attitude of the Speaker when it comes to legislative work.
“I believe if the Filipino people continue to put their trust in Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, then the House must be doing something right,” said Co, who is also the president of the Partylist Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI).
“And it is my humble assertion that legislative work under Speaker Romualdez complements the efforts of the administration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. Government programs are made possible through a competent, streamlined but exhaustive legislation process put in place by the Speaker,” he added.