House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez closed plenary session for the next fourth months, but not before giving an important piece of advice to election candidates later this year.

"Ahead lies another democratic exercise, the 2025 elections, a moment when the will of the people once again takes center stage," Romualdez said in his closing remarks in front of his congressman-colleagues on Wednesday night, Feb. 5. 

The Speaker was alluding to the upcoming mid-term polls on May 12.

"To those who will offer themselves in service, I say this: campaign not in the pursuit of power but in the pursuit of purpose," said Romualdez, president of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).

He added: "Engage not in division but in discourse. Seek not victory for yourselves but vindication for the ideals we have fought for together."

Romualdez reminded his fellow election aspirants: "The people’s voice is sovereign. Their trust is sacred. Their mandate is our marching order."

Romualdez is eyeing a third and final term as Leyte 1st district congressman in May.

Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) went on recess after Wednesday's plenary session. The lawmakers won't reconvene until June 2.