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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider National defense, security bills: Romualdez bares House's mission for rest of 19th Congress 

National defense, security bills: Romualdez bares House's mission for rest of 19th Congress 

Published Apr 29, 2024 05:00 pm

At A Glance

  • As if unveiling their mission statement, Speaker Martin Romualdez has announced for the first time in front of his congressman-colleagues the House leadership's intention to pursue pro-national defense, security, and economic development measures for the rest of the 19th Congress. 
  • Romualdez made these pronouncements amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 
  • There is a still a full year left in the 19th Congress.

IMG-2306e80baa196fcca1fd49760e9f8031-V.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

As if unveiling their mission statement, Speaker Martin Romualdez has announced for the first time in front of his congressman-colleagues the House leadership's intention to pursue pro-national defense, security, and economic development measures for the rest of the 19th Congress.

“We must now direct our legislative focus on the most pressing needs that our countrymen face at the moment: strengthening national security and enhancing economic development," Romualdez said in his speech during plenary session Monday, April 29.

The plenary session was the first following Congress' five-week summer recess.

“We recognize that peace is the cornerstone of prosperity. Hence, we need to enact laws that fortify our national defense and enhance our international security posture," said Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD)

"These initiatives are critical in maintaining sovereignty and stability, enabling our nation to pursue development goals without the shadow of external threat,” reckoned the Leyte 1st district congressman.

He said by strengthening peace and security, Congress can create an environment conducive to economic and development activities.

“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 is fundamental to sustainable development and is a cornerstone of our legislative agenda,” he explained.

Romualdez made these pronouncements amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Meanwhile, the Philippines under President Marcos has also been strengthening its ties with like-minded nations in terms of its stance of maritime issues, with the United States (US) and Japan being the top among these allies.

Romualdez is President Marcos' top ally in the legislature.

There is a still a full year left in the 19th Congress, which h represents the first half of Marcos' six-year tenure in Malacañang.

Related Tags

19th Congress House of Representatives National Defense and Security Martin Romualdez West Philippine Sea
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