Another 42 House members--this time from Southern Luzon and the Bicol Region--have issued fresh statements expressing their “full and unequivocal support” for House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III.

This action from the solons is seen to further strengthen the broad nationwide consensus that has steadily formed behind Dy's leadership in the chamber in recent weeks.

The new declarations bring to 242 the number of congressmen who have publicly backed Dy. This includes 41 from the Visayas, 30 from Metro Manila, 67 from Mindanao, the 39-member Northern Luzon Alliance, and 44 from the Party-list Coalition, some of whom also signed their respective regional manifestos.

A few solons also added their names to manifestos after these had initially been released to the media.

In their manifesto, 28 representatives from Calabarzon and Mimaropa said the times demand for strong and principled leadership, not merely one that is preferred. They further reckoned that Dy’s “integrity, vision, and commitment stand above the rest".

“Speaker Bojie embodies the qualities that truly matter most in leadership: steadfast dedication, sound judgment, and an unwavering sense of duty,” the lawmakers said.

Dy’s leadership, they added, was grounded in “empathy, accountability, and results". They said his character, and not only competence, set him apart.

“Time and again, Speaker Bojie has shown the ability to listen with respect, decide with fairness, and act with courage—qualities essential for anyone entrusted with the daunting responsibility of leading this august chamber,” the manifesto of support read.

The group also underscored the value of Isabela 6th district congressman's steady hand in a period they described as challenging for both the institution and the nation.

“We cannot but overemphasize the importance of stable leadership in Congress, and Speaker Bojie has been a bastion of stability in these trying times of the country,” they said.

“We are with the Speaker for his relentless drive for transparency, accountability, and legislative efficiency. His steady hand has been a vital force in guiding this organization through the challenges before us,” they added.

Meanwhile, 14 members of the Bicol bloc signed a similar statement of support, which they said was grounded on the need for “reliable, responsive, decisive, inclusive, sincere, and compassionate leadership".

Representing “one of the most resilient people in the most disaster-vulnerable region", the bloc said their stand comes as communities continue to recover from typhoons, flooding, earthquakes, and landslides.

They highlighted principles that align with Dy’s leadership: effective and reliable governance, responsiveness, integrity and accountability in public service, equity, collaborative legislation, and compassionate governance.

Warning against disruptions in congressional leadership, the bloc noted that “unnecessary distractions disrupt ongoing programs, hinder coordination, and delay implementation of recovery initiatives".

They added that maintaining Dy’s leadership “restores the public’s trust and strengthens confidence in our institution as we begin rebuilding".

“As Bicolanos, we keenly know the demands of turbulent times; we are confident that our Speaker can navigate us through the darkest storms, ensuring a safe and decisive course toward our vision of Bagong Pilipinas,” the signatories said.

Dy took over the reins in the 300-plus strong member House only last Sept. 17.