Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez (Rep. Romualdez’s Facebook page)

Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez said the Marcos administration and the House of Representatives “have neither faltered nor shirked” in performing their duties despite “insurmountable challenges” concerning the country.

“We stand united and rally behind one another. We did not allow political affiliations or differences in opinions and beliefs to hinder us from prioritizing, above all else, the welfare of every Filipino,” she said in a statement.

Rep. Romualdez, the wife of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, had this to say as she lauded President Marcos for his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

She described the President’s speech as “a realization of the President’s pledge to the Filipino people for a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines)”, as shown in Marcos’ stance on inflation, the West Philippine Sea (WPS), and Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

“The seemingly insurmountable challenges of the past two years, mostly caused by global conflicts and worldwide supply disruptions, have led to rising costs of rice and other agricultural products, driving local inflation up,” the lady lawmaker noted.

“Additionally, local issues such as the West Philippine Sea disputes, the impact of climate change, and the operations of criminal syndicates involved in smuggling and illegal POGO operations have seriously affected not only the social and economic well-being of our country but have also threatened the moral fiber of our nation,” she said.

Rep. Romualdez, chairperson of the House Committee on Accounts, particularly underscored that Marcos’ directive to have an absolute ban on POGOs was a testament to the latter’s “decisive leadership”.

The Tingog solon said the administration—as presented in the SONA—likewise succeeded in several critical areas, namely agricultural development, economic policies, innovations, modernization, enhanced healthcare, and social amelioration.

“It is not merely an expression of towering aspirations but a commitment to work hard to make the country’s progress a shared experience for everyone, especially the ordinary masses,” she said, referring to the President’s speech.

As the spouse of the House Speaker, Rep. Romualdez pointed out that the lower chamber has remained committed to supporting the “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda of the government.

She cited the enactment of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, the Maharlika Investment Fund Act, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, the Caregivers’ Welfare Act, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines, and the Internet Transactions Act as part of the House’s recent accomplishments.

“While much has been achieved, more remains to be done,” she added.

In addition, Rep. Romualdez stated that Tingog Party-list will continue to “work hand in hand” with the President in pushing for “meaningful public governance”.

“We will remain steadfast in ensuring that the voices of the Filipino people are not only heard but also felt and championed in the hallowed halls of the House of Representatives, where we have sworn our oath to be their voice,” the congresswoman said.

“We stand with the President in fighting against what is wrong and promoting what is right. Rest assured, our loyalty lies not only in our duties but also to the people and, above all, to our beloved country,” she continued.