Take a bow, OSG people.
House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez had this to say as he praised the Office of Solicitor General (OSG) headed by Jose Calida for being a staunch defender of the Republic of the Philippines.
Romualdez, a lawyer from University of the Philippines (UP) and president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), cited the important role of OSG in upholding the rule of law and championing people's interests.
"For a job well done, take a bow, men and women of OSG. You all deserve the highest commendation from a grateful nation," he said in his speech Friday during the 121st Anniversary of OSG at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
"Truly, I stand proud to be in the company of the great Jose Calida and his bunch of republic defenders. Yours is one of smallest offices in government, yet your mandate is one of the broadest and perhaps the most challenging," said Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) party.
"As the People’s Tribune, you all have shown unwavering commitment in upholding the rule of law without fear nor favor. As staunch defender of the Republic, you all displayed inexhaustible fervor in protecting the Filipino people’s interest at all times," Romualdez added.
He thanked the OSG "for being a pillar of good governance."
"Salamat po sa inyong serbisyo. Salamat po sa malasakit sa bansang Pilipinas (Thank you for your service. Thank you for your compassion to the country)," said Romualdez, who pundits believe is the leading speakership contender in the upcoming 19th Congress.
Romualdez said he expects "the lawyers, staff and personnel of the OSG to continue performing with the same zest their mission of providing excellent legal services to the Republic of the Philippines and its people".
"I trust that the men and women of OSG will carry on displaying the badge of core values that you embraced from your first day in office: integrity, dedication, excellence, accountability, and loyalty," he said.
"I have no doubt that in the next years to come, our capable OSG team will continue showing us their impressive legal acumen and skills in handing landmark cases that come their way," Romualdez stressed.