House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero (Facebook)

The working relationship between "Mr. Rice" House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero will be put to the test once the third regular session begins next week. 

And as far as Romualdez is concerned, the "Kanin at Keso" combination in the bicameral legislature will deliver. 

“I look forward to a robust partnership with the Senate, led by Senate President Escudero," Romualdez said in a statement Sunday, July 14. 

"Together, we can achieve significant legislative milestones that will profoundly benefit our nation,” reckoned Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district representative and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) chairman 

“This collaboration is vital to ensuring our legislative efforts are cohesive and effective in addressing the pressing needs of our people,” added the leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives. 

Escudero, a Sorsogon native, was installed as chief of the 24-member Senate near the end of the second regular session of the current 19th Congress. 

The current legislative recess followed shortly, meaning he and Romualdez have yet to show how well they can work together. 

At any rate, Romualdez and Escudero have already met several times, the latest of which was last month's full Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting in Malacañang with President Marcos.