Top leaders of the House of Representatives on Thursday, November 2 took turns commending Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for his exemplary leadership saying he has become the true embodiment of the “House of the People” due to his people-centered and pro-poor advocacies.

Former President and now Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo commended Romualdez on the recent surge of his public trust rating in a brief statement: "I would like to congratulate House Speaker and Lakas President Martin Romualdez on the recent OCTA Research Report reflecting a +6% percent increase in trust rating to 60%."

House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe also said the latest OCTA Research survey “is proof of Speaker Romualdez’s solid and effective leadership.”

In the survey conducted by OCTA between September 30 and October 4, Romualdez’s trust ratings shot up, from 38 percent to 60 percent between 2022 and 2023, with a 22-point increase in the same period. In addition, the House leader’s trust ratings went up from 54 percent to 60 percent from July to October 2023, marking a 6-point rise in the quarter.

Based on the same survey, the Speaker's performance satisfaction rating also saw significant growth, climbing from 44 percent to 61 percent between 2020-2022 and 2023, and from 55 percent to 61 percent from July to October 2023, reflecting a substantial 17-point increase in the same period and a 6-point gain in the quarter.

“This is the fruit of the collective strength and unwavering commitment of every Member of the House of Representatives. His collaborative and unifying leadership allowed the House of the People to ensure the swift passage of people-centered and pro-poor legislation,” Dalipe said in a separate statement.

Romualdez’s “first-in- last-out” brand of leadership has also inspired members of Congress and even the Secretariat to work as hard, according to Dalipe.

"These ratings are a testament to the dedication and teamwork of the hardworking members of the House with Speaker Romualdez serving as an example to all. The House of Representatives has become the true embodiment of the House of the People under Speaker Romualdez,” said Dalipe.

He also cited Romualdez's insightful appreciation of the invaluable role of surveys in governance which serves as a guide in crafting government policies that reflect the people’s needs and sentiments.

“Leading a 310-member legislature is no mean feat, but Speaker Romualdez has shown his mettle as we have passed the 2024 General Appropriations Bill on time as well as approved all 20 LEDAC priority bills three months ahead of schedule,” Iloilo City Rep. Julienne “Jam” Baronda also said in a separate statement.

Baronda, also deputy majority leader, also took note of Romualdez’s role as one of the principal organizers of the Bangon Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, which brings government services closer to the grassroots across the country.

“Speaker Romualdez’s work ethic, dedication and passion to serve, and collaborative efforts to help the executive branch led by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. makes us want to do and give our best, too, for our country and people,” she added.

“Indeed, this is the best time to be a Member of the House of Representatives,” she further stressed.

Maguindanao del Norte Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura also said he is upbeat that the upward trajectory of Romualdez’s ratings show that Filipinos are now recognizing his results-oriented leadership.

“This fosters good will between him, the House in general, and the people. And with goodwill comes a better understanding of the Marcos administration's policies on the part of the public,” said Mastura, House Committee on Muslim Affairs vice chairperson.

“Good will voluntarily comes out when it is deserved. In this case, the Speaker neither demanded nor was gifted with good will; he worked hard—quietly and consistently—and the people acknowledged him for it,” he also said.

“Moving forward, having this dynamic will bodes well for the House. This is the House of the People, after all," Mastura reiterated.