Leaders from the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) reaffirmed their support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a prosperous and inclusive Bagong Pilipinas, crediting Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez’s dynamic leadership as instrumental in pushing forward the administration’s legislative agenda for 2025.
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David Suarez, and House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe lauded Speaker Romualdez’s strategic and decisive approach, which has served as a catalyst for transformative reforms aimed at strengthening economic recovery, enhancing public services, and improving the lives of Filipinos nationwide under the instruction of President Marcos.
They emphasized that his leadership continues to unify Congress in delivering pro-people measures aligned with President Marcos’ development goals.
The House leaders praised Romualdez for uniting the House supermajority coalition and achieving legislative milestones that prioritize the welfare of marginalized sectors while addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges.
Gonzales said Romualdez has been pivotal in the House’s record-breaking accomplishments, which include passing laws that directly benefit farmers, workers, and small business owners.
“Speaker Romualdez’s leadership has been the catalyst for the House’s unprecedented productivity, consistently driving results. His focus on inclusive growth and people-centered reforms demonstrates our collective commitment to improving the lives of every Filipino,” the Pampanga legislator said.
Suarez highlighted the passage of critical measures under Romualdez’s guidance, such as Republic Act (RA) 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which combats agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartels by declaring these acts as economic sabotage punishable by life imprisonment.
The lawmaker from Quezon province also pointed to RA 12078, which extends the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) until 2031 and increases its annual allocation from P10 billion to P30 billion to support rice farmers.
“These measures, passed under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, address long-standing issues in agriculture. They dismantle cartels, empower farmers, and ensure food security,” Suarez said.
Dalipe noted the legislative momentum under Speaker Romualdez, with the House approving 61 of 64 priority measures identified by President Marcos and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
“Speaker Romualdez’s leadership shows what unity and focus can achieve. He has ensured that we pass forward-looking laws that make an immediate impact on millions of Filipinos,” said Dalipe, who represents the second district of Zamboanga province in Congress.
The three House leaders also underscored Romualdez’s commitment to effective implementation of legislation.
Gonzales praised his unwavering dedication to transparency and accountability in government programs targeting economic recovery and social protection.
Suarez noted that Speaker Romualdez’s leadership extends beyond legislative achievements, as he highlighted his ability to foster unity within Congress and collaboration with the executive branch.
“Speaker Romualdez ensures the House remains a strategic partner of President Marcos in delivering a Bagong Pilipinas where no Filipino is left behind,” Suarez said.
As the country entered 2025, Gonzales, Suarez, and Dalipe expressed optimism about the trajectory of the nation’s socioeconomic reforms.
Gonzales said Speaker Romualdez’s leadership has laid a solid foundation for the Marcos administration to pursue high-impact programs that create jobs and provide greater assistance to underprivileged sectors.
“Under Speaker Romualdez, the House is building a legacy of inclusive development, paving the way for a stronger, more resilient Philippines,” Gonzales said.
Suarez reaffirmed Lakas-CMD’s full support for Speaker Romualdez and the President’s legislative agenda, expressing confidence that 2025 will mark significant progress for the government’s reform initiatives.
“With Speaker Romualdez at the helm, every law we pass brings meaningful change to our people,” Suarez added.
Dalipe emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among legislators, government agencies, and stakeholders.
“The leadership of Speaker Romualdez has shown that transformative change is possible when we work together. Moving forward, the House will champion reforms that build a more inclusive and prosperous nation,” Dalipe stressed.
