House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

With its mission to pass the economic Charter change (Cha-cha) measure already accomplished, the House of Representatives will shift its focus to strengthening national security and enhancing economic development for the remainder of the 19th Congress.

This was bared Tuesday, April 23 by House Speaker Martin Romualdez in anticipation of Congress' resumption of sessions next week.

“As we embark on another session this April 29th, our legislative focus sharpens on the dual imperatives of national security and robust development," he told a forum at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that was attended by diplomats and government officials.

"Recognizing that peace is the cornerstone of prosperity, we aim to enact laws that fortify our national defense and enhance our international security posture,” said Romualdez, the leader of the 300-plus strong chamber.

“These initiatives are critical in maintaining sovereignty and stability, enabling our nation to pursue development goals without the shadow of external threats,” he added.

It was only last March 20 when the House voted 288-8-2 (yes-no-abstain) to pass on third and final reading the proposed economic Cha-cha, as embodied in Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No.7. As the phrase implies, the current Cha-cha effort is only concerned with easing the restrictive economic provisions of the 37-year-old Constitution.

For two months, the House made it its top mission to pass RBH No.7. But it's bow shifting gears.

Speaker Romualdez said the House development agenda “is expansive, targeting pivotal areas such as healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure".

“In healthcare, we are committed to expanding access and improving the quality of services, making healthcare affordable and accessible to every Filipino. Our initiatives in education aim to create a more liberalized system that not only meets global standards but also equips our youth with the necessary skills to thrive in a globalized economy.

"Additionally, by enhancing our digital infrastructure, we aim to ensure that every Filipino can benefit from the digital revolution, bridging digital divides and fostering economic inclusivity,” he said.

Romualdez added that by strengthening peace and security, Congress can create an environment conducive to economic activities and development initiatives.

“These, in turn, contribute to further stabilizing our nation by reducing poverty, creating jobs, and improving living standards, which in turn diminishes the likelihood of social unrest. This virtuous cycle is fundamental to sustainable development and is a cornerstone of our legislative agenda,” he stressed.

Romualdez said that under President Marcos' leadership, the country has taken significant steps to rejuvenate and deepen its international relationships.

“Our diplomatic efforts were pivotal during the historic trilateral meeting between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines at the outset of April. This meeting underscored our strategic role in regional politics and security,” he said.

The House leader admits that his and his colleagues’ goals “are ambitious.”

“We aim not only to continue our current path but to accelerate our efforts. We are exploring innovative legislative measures that promote technological advancement and environmental sustainability. These initiatives are designed to ensure that the Philippines not only keeps pace with global trends but also sets a benchmark for innovation and responsible governance,” he said.