Speaker Faustino G. Dy III on Monday called for unity among lawmakers and employees of the House of Representatives to help restore public trust amid a series of anti-corruption rallies and cries for serious reforms in governance.
Addressing the flag-raising ceremony at the Batasan Complex, Dy said that while the House continues to face challenges, it can overcome them if its members and workforce stand together.
“Ilang buwan pa lamang ang nakakalipas mula nang pagkatiwalaan tayo na pamunuan ang institusyong ito. Sa totoo lang, napakalaki ng hamon at suliraning ating nadatnan. Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, hindi ako natinag—dahil alam kong hindi ako nag-iisa. Kasama ko kayo. Kasama ko ang tapang, talino, at puso ng bawat kinatawan at bawat kawani dito sa Kapulungan,” Dy said.
(Only a few months have passed since we were entrusted to lead this institution. To be honest, the challenges and problems we encountered were enormous. But through it all, I didn’t move—because I knew I wasn’t alone. I’m with you. I have with me the courage, intelligence, and heart of every representative and every staff here in the Lower House.)
The Speaker urged both legislators and staff to stay focused on the people’s welfare.
“Mga kasama, malinaw ang hamon sa ating lahat: Magkaisa. Magtulungan. Isantabi ang pansariling interes para sa kapakanan ng mamamayang Pilipino.”
(To my fellow public servants, the challenge is clear to all of us: Unite. Work together. Put aside personal interest for the sake of the Filipino people.)
Dy said that it is time for the chamber to help provide stability in the country and to do that, it must take the opportunity to meet the challenges confronting the nation with clarity, courage, and unity.
“Kung may panahon mang hinihingi ang pagkakaisa, iyon ay ngayon na. Kung may pagkakataon mang dapat magpamalas tayo ng lakas ng loob at paninindigan, iyon ay ngayon na rin. Kung may puwang man para maging liwanag tayo sa gitna ng dilim ng kaguluhan, pagdududa, at maling impormasyon—ito na ang tamang panahon,” he said.
(If ever there was a time for unity, it is now. If ever there was an opportunity for us to show courage and determination, it is now. If ever there was room for us to be a light in the midst of the darkness of confusion, doubt, and misinformation, now is the time.)
According to Dy, unity will enable the House to finally advance and implement long-awaited reforms for Filipinos.
“Dahil sa ating pagkakaisa, unti-unti nating maipaglalaban at maipapatupad ang mga pagbabagong matagal nang hinihintay ng ating mga kababayan,” he pointed out.
(Because of our unity, we can gradually fight and implement the changes that our countrymen have been waiting for a long time)
He also urged the entire institution to resist political noise and misinformation that could distract it from its mandate.
“Hinihikayat ko kayo: huwag nating hayaang maapektuhan tayo ng mga naririnig o nababasa sa social media. Kayang-kaya nating baguhin ang imahe ng institusyong ito sa pamamagitan ng tapat, masipag, at makabuluhang paglilingkod,” he stressed.
(I encourage you: let’s not let what we hear or read on social media affect us. We can change the image of this institution through honest, diligent, and meaningful service.)
Dy also paid tribute to the House workforce as the institution’s “pillar and strength” and said ongoing reforms are meant to give employees the respect and dignity they deserve.
