Romualdez: Lawmakers not reelected still part of 19th Congress’ legacy
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. — File photo
MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has offered comforting words to lawmakers who failed in their bid to get reelected during the recent midterm polls, saying that they are already part of a great legacy as the 19th Congress is one of the most productive congresses in history.
Romualdez, during his address before the House plenary, at the resumption of the 19th Congress’ session on Monday, congratulated lawmakers who made successful reelection bids, and urged them to use their new mandates to fight for their constituents’ needs.
For those who lost, Romualdez said their services would not be forgotten.
“To those who prevailed — congratulations. The people have placed their trust in you once again. Carry that trust with honor, humility, and courage. Use your renewed mandate to fight even harder for their needs, for their hopes, and for a future where no Filipino is left behind,” he said.
“And to the rest of my colleagues — I salute you. Your service in this Chamber will not be forgotten. You may not have been given new terms, but remember, you were part of something bigger than any one election […] Whether you are returning in the 20th Congress or closing your final term in public office, you are part of the legacy of one of the most productive and united Congresses in Philippine history,” he added.
According to Romualdez, the Filipino people saw how the current set of lawmakers turned the 19th Congress into a workhorse, having addressed proposed measures that were important in the local and national sense.
“You helped pass laws. You shaped debate. You served your districts with passion and integrity. You gave your all — and the Filipino people saw it. Your legacy is now woven into the fabric of this Congress. Even if you are no longer here during the next Congress, you will remain part of the 19th Congress’ victories,” he said.
“Let us use every remaining hour, every session day, every ounce of our energy to complete what we started. Let history remember us not just as lawmakers — but as leaders who chose unity over division, service over ambition, and people over politics,” he added.
During his speech, Romualdez again touted the House’s achievements, noting that the chamber has approved 27 out of the 28 priority bills marked by the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac).
The Speaker added that the House was able to launch significant hearings and investigations in aid of legislation, like a crackdown on smugglers and hoarders, providing stronger support to our rice farmers, passing laws aimed at fixing job-skills mismatches, and the passage of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers.
READ: Martin Romualdez lauds House passage of 27 out of 28 Ledac bills
Still, Romualdez said there is still a lot of work to do for the House before the 19th Congress closes and goes into sine die adjournment. Among the priorities of the House, Romualdez said, is to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of making rice priced at P20 per kilogram accessible.
“We still have important work to do in these final two weeks: Let us pass the Open Access in Data Transmission Act — to make fast, reliable internet accessible to every barangay. Let us finalize the E-Governance Act — so that public services become faster, smarter, and less prone to red tape,” he said.
“Let us pass the first-ever Philippine legislation on artificial intelligence — to embrace innovation, while protecting ethics, privacy, and human dignity. Let us support the P20 rice program of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. — not just as a national policy, but as a promise to every Filipino family struggling to make ends meet,” he added.
Last May 27, Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said that the House leadership plans to hold one more hearing each for the quad committee and the tri-committee.
The quad committee investigated the alleged illegal activities inside Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hubs, the illicit drug trade, the human rights violations during the past administration’s drug war, and allegations of a rewards system for officers who would kill drug users and pushers.
READ: Zia Alonto Adiong says House committees to have at least 1 more hearing
The tri-committee, meanwhile, checked on the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation over social media.
The 19th Congress will have until June 13 before it goes into sine die adjournment, to make way for the new set of lawmakers in the 20th Congress. The 20th Congress, meanwhile, would formally open its session on July 28, the same day that President Marcos delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address. /das
