The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, declared its full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a “symbol of the nation’s sovereignty” and vowed to use the extent of its mandate to thwart any attempts to destabilize the government.
The declaration was made through a manifesto of support which some 200 lawmakers presented to President Marcos Wednesday night during a Christmas fellowship at Malacañang.
“The Philippine Constitution entrusts us with the solemn duty to protect the nation from threats – both internal and external – that seek to undermine our independence, security and democracy. Recognizing the significant challenges facing the President and his administration, we unite in declaring our firm support for the President and his vision for a Bagong Pilipinas,” the manifesto read.
The manifesto came amid a “conditional threat” made by Vice President Sara Duterte on the life of Mr. Marcos, as well as her camp’s call for people to mobilize against the administration.
The document was signed by Romualdez; Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr.; Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe; Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino II, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) Secretary General; Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, National Unity Party (NUP) President; Rizal Rep. Michael John Duavit, Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) President; Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Nacionalista Party (NP) stalwart; San Jose del Monte Rep. Florida Robes, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) member; and Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco, Partido Navoteño president.
“The Constitution vests executive power in the President, making him the embodiment of the people’s will and the nation’s unity. Any threat against the President is a threat against the Republic. We shall remain vigilant and resolute in ensuring his safety and the stability of his administration,” the House leaders said in the manifesto.
“The Constitution enshrines the principles of democracy, justice and the rule of law. We categorically condemn any attempts to destabilize the government or subvert the administration’s programs aimed at advancing national progress.”
“As mandated by the Constitution, we commit to mobilizing all legislative resources to safeguard the Republic against threats to its independence, security and peace. We will support initiatives that strengthen national defense, public order and social stability.”
The manifesto likewise underscored the significance of legislative unity for the nation’s welfare as well as the House’s commitment to ensure that the President’s mandate is fulfilled.
“We recognize that unity among branches of government is critical to achieving national goals. Guided by constitutional principles, we will work in partnership with the President to pass laws that address the most pressing concerns of our people,” the manifesto read.
As this developed, House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V clarified the fellowship at the Palace was not in any way connected to the two impeachment complaints filed against the Vice President.
Duterte faces two impeachment complaints at the House, accusing her, among others, of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds and of threatening the President and other officials.
“It was a very simple party and the highlight was when the resolution of support for the President was presented,” he said, debunking speculations on social media accounts as to the agenda of the fellowship.
“The President was very touched. It was an important thing to him that he has the support of the House of Representatives,” Ortega added.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Romualdez-led House declares loyalty to President Marcos via signed manifesto”