Romualdez eager to hear Marcos' vision for PH in 2nd SONA
Speaker Martin Romualdez (left) and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Speaker's office)
House Speaker Martin Romualdez says he is eager to hear President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s "vision for the country" in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24. This as Romualdez called back to President Marcos' maiden SONA last year, describing it as the "setting of the direction" of the lawmakers moving forward under the new administration. "With President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., setting the direction during his first State of the Nation Address, our mission in the House of Representatives has been to champion legislative initiatives that empower every Filipino citizen and promote inclusive, sustainable development," he said in a statement Sunday, July 23. Romualdez says the solons would "carry on their mission", with SONA day marking the beginning of the second regular session of the 19th Congress. "In essence, our mission has been to serve as true representatives of the Filipino people, translating their hopes and aspirations into meaningful, impactful legislation, and fostering a shared sense of progress and prosperity for all," added the leader of the 312-strong House of Representatives. Romualdez is arguably Marcos' top ally in the entire legislature. Over 2,000 guests are expected to troop to Batasan Complex in Quezon City to listen to the SONA. President Marcos will deliver the speech in joint session between House members and senators at around 4 p.m. Monday. House Secretary General Reginald Velasco has said last Thursday that it was "all systems go" for the SONA, and that Romualdez has been satisfied over the lower chamber's preparations during the past few weeks. Velasco had said the SONA 2023 theme or motif was Filipiniana. This will be reflected from the guests' outfits to the food that will be served to the guests.