House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)



As its way of thanking overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for their contributions to the Philippines, Speaker Martin Romualdez vowed that the House of Representatives would continue to work closely with the Marcos administration toward its "vision for a brighter future for all Filipinos". Romualdez had this to say as he joined President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and the rest of his delegation during a meeting with the Filipino-American community at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington DC, following the bilateral meeting with United States (US) President Joe Biden. “The House of Representatives will continue working hand-in-hand with President Marcos to advance his legislative, policies, and initiatives geared towards job creation, improved business climate, and a better life for all Filipinos,” Romualdez said. “This is our way of thanking all our [OFWs] or their invaluable contributions to the economic growth of our country and for showcasing to the world the solid work ethic, talent, and the good nature of all Filipinos,” added the Leyte 1st district congressman, who is arguably Marcos' most trusted ally in Philippine government. OFWs are often cited by local authorities for their sacrifices, which include leaving their their loved ones in the Philippines in order to get good-paying jobs abroad. Most of what they earn gets wired back to their families at home, amid their hope of one day lifting themselves out of poverty. In turn, OFWs' money remittances keep the Philippine economy afloat year in and year out. Marcos is currently in the US for a five-day visit. Aside from Biden, the Filipino leader has also met with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Romualdez, who has been in the US since mid-April, had laid the groundwork for Marcos' official visit to the US through a series of engagements with US officials and American business leaders. He said the positive outcome of the meeting between Marcos and Biden, particularly the latter's announcement that he will send a presidential trade and investment mission, means that the Philippines can expect more job creation and economic growth. “The prospect of a presidential trade and investment mission fills the nation with hope and optimism for a brighter future,” Romualdez said. He said the House is ready to pass necessary legislations that would facilitate the entry of trade and investments from the US generated by the official visit of Marcos and to ensure these would all redound to the benefit of the Filipino people. “We have already manifested our solid commitment to support the prosperity agenda of President Marcos by passing the necessary measures to help establish the Philippines as an ideal destination for foreign investments. We will continue to do so,” Romualdez said.