PBBM to send additional 'assignments' to solons post-SONA, says Romualdez
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (left) and House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)
As far as marching orders from the State of the Nation Address (SONA) goes, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. still has additional "assignments" for lawmakers. Marcos delivered his 70-minute SONA before a joint session of Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) on Monday afternoon, July 24. In a chance interview right after the speech, Romualdez--arguably Marcos' top ally in the legislature--revealed that the President has more to say in terms of directives for the lawmakers in attendance. "Sa totoo lang kakaalis lang niya at yung mga ginawa niya kanina yung hindi nakapasok. Mayroon siyang gagawin na parang ihahabol na lang na assignment para sa mga congressman at mga senador, para magsasama tayo," said Romualdez, leader of the 312-strong House. (The truth is he has left and there are things that didn't make the speech. He will just forward his assignment to congressmen and senators, to unite us.) At any rate, the Leyte 1st district congressman noted that Marcos was "excited" coming off his speech. Romualdez hailed Marcos for his hardworking nature. "Walang tulog 'yan, basta tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho niyan, masipag talaga eh (He doesn't sleep, he keeps on working, he is truly industrious)." Marcos will fly to Malaysia today, Tuesday, July 25 for a three-day state visit to Malaysia. Romualdez is part of his delegation.