Despite shake ups in the political landscape, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said he is hoping President Marcos would be able to rekindle a sense of unity among Filipinos, on top of building on the progress of his administration’s initiatives during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“I expect the President to emphasize the importance of unity among all Filipinos, highlighting how collective efforts can lead to national progress,” Romualdez said in a statement on Sunday, leading up to the SONA this Monday, July 22.
The Speaker said he anticipates the President to focus on delivering essential social services, especially the ones that cover social amelioration benefits.
The Senate and the House of Representatives will convene in a joint session at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City as the President addresses not only the entire nation, but the rest of the world as to the accomplishments of his administration as well as his plans for the coming years.
Romualdez previously said the 19th Congress is prepared to receive and act on the legislative agenda that will be outlined by Mr. Marcos during the upcoming SONA, including the policies he would incorporate in the 2025 national budget.
“The President is expected to propose new laws aimed at simplifying and improving the daily lives of our citizens, addressing issues such as economic development, healthcare, education and infrastructure,” he said.
“These initiatives will be crucial in driving our country forward and enhancing the overall quality of life for all Filipinos,” the Speaker noted.
Romualdez and members of the House of Representatives are prepared to “hit the ground running” once the President delivers his promises to the Filipino people, ready to translate his vision “into tangible legislative outcomes.”
Mr. Marcos’ SONA marks the opening of the third and last regular session of the 19th Congress.
The Speaker lauded the performance of the Chief Executive in the past two years, saying he has demonstrated strong leadership and made significant strides in delivering on his promises from the last SONA.
The seasoned lawmaker from Leyte said the House of Representatives has performed above and beyond expectations as it approved all 17 priority measures mentioned by the President in his second SONA.
Romualdez also vowed to prioritize the discussions and approval of the P6.352-trillion 2025 national budget and the remaining Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council priority bills.
