House Speaker Martin Romualdez greets a confined soldier at V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez played the role of Santa Claus on Tuesday, Dec. 17 in his visit to the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City.

This, as Speaker Romualdez led the inauguration of the Bagong Bayaning Mandirigma (BBM) Casualty and Cancer Care Center at the facility. But that's not all that the Leyte 1st district representative did.

In his message during the event, the House chief also announced that in the spirit of Christmas all paying patients admitted that day at the hospital would enjoy zero-billing. 

“We have allotted P20 million to cover all of the patients’ bills today,” he said.

Pointing to the BBM center, the Speaker Romualdez said “Hindi lamang ospital; ito ay tahanan ng pag-asa (This isn't a mere hospital; this is a house of hope)."

He further described it as a symbol of the government’s unwavering support for the country’s modern-day heroes who risk their lives to defend the nation.

“The BBM center represents the nation’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of our soldiers—our bayaning mandirigma (heroic warriors)—who risk their lives every day to protect our people and sovereignty,” he said.

The BBM Casualty and Cancer Care Center will deliver advanced medical services, particularly for cancer patients and those needing specialized casualty care.

The House leader commended the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. (CSFI) and the MVP Group of Companies for their partnership that made the BBM center project a reality. 

Also gracing the event were CSFI president, former congresswoman Rosemarie Arenas; and its chairperson, Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, and MVP Group of Companies Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

“I assure you, you are not just in good hands but in the best of hands. You will be getting the best, hindi lang first-class pero world-class medical facilities and attention here at V. Luna,” Speaker Romualdez told the soldiers and patients in attendance. 

Cash aid for wounded soldiers

"Santa Martin" wasn't done yet, though. 

To help defray their medical expenses and ease the challenges faced by their respective families, Romualdez provided financial assistance to 29 soldiers confined at the Quezon City hospital.

Speaker Romualdez said the "ayuda" was provided to the wounded soldiers in recognition of their sacrifice and unwavering dedication to the country. 

“These brave men and women have given so much for our country, and it is only fitting that we extend our gratitude and assistance to help them during this season of giving,” he said. 

Five soldiers who sustained major injuries in the line of duty each received P100,000 in cash assistance. 

They were SSG. Rodel Buenavista (Phil. Marines), and SGT. Clint John Cuizon, CPL. Ronbel Esporma, CPL. Argie Son-oc, and SSG Benjie Idmilao, all from the Philippine Army (PA).

On the other hand, 24 other soldiers, who are recovering from various injuries each received P10,000 cash support. 

“This modest support is our way of showing appreciation for their heroism and to let them know that they are not alone in their recovery,” the Speaker said.