House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN

The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution "upholding the integrity and honor of the institution and expressing appreciation and solidarity to the leadership" of Speaker Martin Romualdez. 

Adopted on Monday afternoon, Nov. 6 via simple voice vote was House Resolution (HR) No.1414. 

Before this, the House members convened as a Committee of the Whole to discuss the measure in plenary. It was during this meeting that nearly all high-ranking congressmen and representatives of the major political parties made manifestations on their continued backing of Romualdez and their desire to defend the House. 

"The House has always taken criticisms as part and parcel of a healthy, vibrant, and working democracy, but it takes exception to statements made that undermine the independence, integrity, and reputation of the institution, more so when these statements are couched with threats or insinuations of physical harm to a sitting member of Congress," read HR No.1414. 

"In the face of adversity, the Speaker has remained steadfast in defending the integrity and honor of this revered institution against the machinations and intrigues of those driven by personal ambitions and power," it read. 

It further stated: "Acutely aware of the intense pressures and covert threats some of our colleagues’ face, our Speaker, through unwavering commitment and leadership, has served as a protective barrier, in ensuring that the foundational principles of the House of the People remain intact." 

Seven Deputy Speakers led by Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales, Jr. (Pampanga) signed HR No.1414. The six other Deputy Speakers were Ralph Recto (Batangas), Camille Villar (Las Piñas City), Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco (Cebu), Roberto 

Puno (Antipolo City), Kristine Singson-Meehan (Ilocos Sur), and Raymond Democrito Mendoza (TUCP). 

House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe (Zamboanga City), sponsored the measure. 

"While we recognize that legitimate criticisms are but part of the organs of democracy, we are unfazed. We continue to improve the delivery of our constitutionally-mandated obligation to serve the people through legislation,” Dalipe said. 

MUST READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/6/house-leader-resigns-from-pdp-laban-then-calls-out-duterte-for-rotten-institution-tirade

Gonzales said: “We are deeply touched by the strong leadership of Speaker Romualdez who chose to uphold the dignity and honor of our beloved institution and its members.  With a stalwart leader like Speaker Romualdez, we are confident that no matter what obstacles may come our way, we will always stand strong and we will continue to perform the mandate entrusted to us by the people.” 

With a little prodding from Albay 1st district. Edcel Lagman, Gonzales admitted during the Committee of the Whole meeting that the resolution was meant to defend the House from attacks made by former president Rodrigo Duterte. 

Representatives from the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), National Unity Party (NUP), Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), Nacionalista Party (NP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI), and Partido Navoteño all expressed their support to the House leadership during the Committee on the Whole meeting.

'Onslaught of a few who still hold illusions of power' 

"Today, the House as a Committee of the Whole, ha collectively--majority and minoroty alike--stood together to defend the integrity of this august institution from the onslaught of a few who still hold illusions of power," said House Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan.

Suigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, an NP stalwart, praised for his "strong work ethic and quiet but purposeful leadership", which he called a valuable asset to the Marcos administration. 

"Under his guidance, the House of Representatives was able to pass the General Appropriations Bill in record time and passed months ahead of schedule all 20 LEDAC (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council) priority measures targeted for 2023. We also take this opportunity to congratulate the Honorable Speaker for garnering a trust rating of 60 percent and a satisfaction rating of 61 percent, as reflected in the latest OCTA survey ratings," Barbers said. 

For his part, NPC Secretary General Rizal 1st district Rep. Michael John Duavit said that the Speaker’s leadership has resulted in crafting of legislation aimed at improving the lives of Filipinos.

Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list Rep. Migs Nograles, representing PCFI, hailed Romualdez's steadfast dedication to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.  

“His unwavering commitment to these values has played a pivotal role in revitalizing public trust in our institution and fortifying the credibility of the House of Representatives as the voice of the people. As members of the party list coalition, we stand united in our appreciation and solidarity with Speaker Romualdez. We pledge to continue working in unison with him and our fellow lawmakers to fulfill our mandate of advancing the welfare and interests of the marginalized sectors we represent,” Nograles said.