Just before the changing of the leadership in Malacañang, representative Mikee Romero of One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals (1-PACMAN) party-list took his oath before President Duterte and incoming Vice President Sara Duterte, vowing continued support for their legacy in the 19th Congress.
Returning for a third straight term as 1-PACMAN representative, Romero was first sworn in by Sara Duterte, who is slated to head the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration.
In line with 1-PACMAN’s advocacy of poverty alleviation, he assured support for the new Vice President in the legislature, promising to pursue measures that would benefit the country’s education sector.
The next day, he took another oath before the elder Duterte, again expressing his commitment to helping the poor and also thanking the then-president for his achievements in the last six years.
During his first term in Congress, Romero played a key role in the passage of Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, a landmark legislation of the Duterte administration that now provides free education in state colleges and universities.
“For the last time, Mr. President, thank you for likewise taking my Oath of Office as a member of the 19th Congress,” Romero told President Duterte.
“We will miss you. Thank you for making our country safer to live . You have done a great job. Salamat PRRD!” he added.
During Duterte’s six-year term as president, Romero played a key role in the passage of laws like RA 11310 or PantawidPamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act, RA11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, and RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education, among others.