How does the legislative record of former Speaker and now Leyte First District Representative Martin Romualdez record stack up under close security?
As a congressman, Romualdez was principal author of House Bill No. 1039, which was enacted as Republic Act 10754 in 2016.
The law expanded VAT exemptions and extended discounts and other benefits to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
This is a clear, direct example of a Romualdez-authored measure that created social-protection benefits for a vulnerable group.
The official legislative-author database and House records list multiple bills where he is principal author or sponsor across different Congresses.
Some of these are locality-specific Republic Acts with local impact. Other enacted items in his record are a mix of local development measures and education/constituency bills typical for district representatives.
With Romualdez as Speaker, the House moved quickly to pass a large number of the administration’s priority bills.
Among these is the New Government Procurement Reform Act (RA No. 12009) that updated/replaced the prior procurement regime to centralize and modernize public procurement procedures, with stronger procurement planning, electronic procurement modernization, and more oversight tools to limit corruption opportunities.
Another bill enacted to law under his watch is the creation of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDEV) — Republic Act No. 12145.
This reorganized National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) into a Cabinet-level Department of Economy, Planning and Development to strengthen national economic planning and policy implementation.
The House under Romualdez also supported tax-and-investment incentive reforms such as CREATE MORE and Ease of Paying Taxes. These aim to rationalize tax incentives, improve the investment climate, and make tax compliance easier for businesses as well.
Romualdez as Speaker also facilitated the passage of legislation, including Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act (RA 11962) aimed at upskilling, employment facilitation and increasing labor-market responsiveness. Targeted at creating jobs/skills linkages, the law directly serves poverty-reduction strategies.
Romualdez also facilitated the creation of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) to mobilize capital for development. At the same time, he also pushed reforms targeting financial transparency, including the Bank Secrecy Law and other measures aimed at combating financial scams as part of the broader anti-fraud/anti-corruption agenda of the national government.
With a pivotal role in pushing the government’s efforts to boost economic growth, enhance political stability and strengthen social cohesion,
The road ahead has been properly paved for younger generations of leaders.
