President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (left), House Speaker Martin Romualdez (MANILA BULLETIN, Speaker’s office)

The Speaker Martin Romualdez-led House of Representatives gave its most unequivocal declaration of loyalty yet to President Marcos during a Christmas fellowship in Malacañang on Wednesday night, Dec. 4.

Romualdez, with over 200 House members in tow, presented to President Marcos a manifesto of support wherein they vowed to use the extent of their mandate to thwart any attempts to destabilize the government and undermine the Chief Executive’s leadership.

The solons made this move a few weeks after Vice President Sara Duterte's headline-grabbing threats to the life of the Chief Executive and her camp’s alleged calls for mobilization against the administration.

“Guided by the Philippine Constitution as the supreme law of the land, we, the Members of the House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defend the democratic institutions and sovereignty of our nation,” the manifesto read.

The document highlighted the legislature’s unity in safeguarding democratic principles and national stability.

“The Philippine Constitution entrusts us with the solemn duty to protect the nation from threats – both internal and external – that seek to undermine our independence, security and democracy. Recognizing the significant challenges facing the President and his administration, we unite in declaring our firm support for the President and his vision for a Bagong Pilipinas,” it read.

The manifesto of support was signed by Speaker Romualdez, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino II, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) Secretary General; Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte, National Unity Party (NUP) President; Rizal Rep. Michael John Duavit, Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) President; Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Nacionalista Party (NP) Stalwart; San Jose del Monte Rep. Florida “Risa” Robes, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) member; and Navotas Rep. Tobias “Toby” Tiangco, Partido Navoteño President. 

The House leaders also presented President Marcos with a copy of House Resolution (HR) No. 277, previously adopted as HR No. 2092, titled, “Expressing the unwavering and unqualified support and solidarity of the House of Representatives to the leadership of His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and the Honorable Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez in the face of serious and dangerous remarks and defiant acts that threaten the very foundation of democratic governance, rule of law, and public trust and integrity of government institutions.”

The signatories to the manifesto of support (Speaker’s office)

The House members under Romualdez--the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president--have consistently taken up the cudgels for Marcos in his very public falling out with his one-time "UniTeam" partner, Vice President Duterte. 

Lakas-CMD is the largest cog within the administration coalition, which is headed by the President Marcos-chaired PFP.

'We will stand united with PBBM'

In the manifesto, the House condemned efforts to destabilize the government and emphasized its role in supporting President Marcos’ administration. 

“At all costs, we will stand united with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to uphold and defend the Constitution, ensure the welfare of our people and safeguard the future of our nation.

“We, the Members of the House of Representatives, solemnly affirm that our collective strength lies in the unity of purpose, fidelity to our democratic principles, and unwavering commitment to serve the Filipino people," it read.

“Together, let us rally behind our President to protect and preserve the gains of democracy as we build a stronger, more united and more prosperous Republic," it further stated.

The manifesto emphasized the act of defending the President as the symbol of the nation’s sovereignty.

“The Constitution vests executive power in the President, making him the embodiment of the people’s will and the nation’s unity. Any threat against the President is a threat against the Republic. We shall remain vigilant and resolute in ensuring his safety and the stability of his administration," it said.