"I stand with the President."
With this words, House Speaker Martin Romualdez confirmed his 100 percent backing of President Marcos' ongoing Cabinet revamp following the mid-term elections.
“The House of Representatives fully supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to revamp the Cabinet. It is a strong and necessary step–proof that he listens, acknowledges and acts with resolve,” Romualdez said in a statement on Thursday night, May 22.
He described the overhaul as "a strong move that affirms the Chief Executive’s resolve to deliver better governance and public service".
Romualdez--believed to be a shoo-in for Speaker in the upcoming 20th Congress@-affirmed that the House remains committed to legislating reforms that align with the administration’s goals and to holding the executive accountable when necessary.
“Ang kailangan ngayon: pagkakaisa at malasakit (Unity and compassion--That’s what we need right now). I stand with the President. The nation comes first,” said Romualdez, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president and Leyte 1st district congressman.
Earlier Thursday, asked all members of his Cabinet to submit their courtesy resignations. This gave himself the room to reorganize his official family and recalibrate priorities for the remainder of his term.
The President’s directive is seen as part of a broader strategy to streamline the bureaucracy and ensure more responsive public service delivery.
“As Speaker and leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives, I commend the President’s courage in demanding accountability and realigning governance. We are ready to work with the new Cabinet to create jobs, lower food prices, and ensure better public service,” Romualdez added.
The House leader in the current 19th Congress also emphasized the critical role of the legislature in ensuring that the executive’s reforms are implemented effectively and in line with national development goals.
“We will sharpen our oversight role and advance his agenda. This is a shared mission by the House and by reform-minded leaders,” he said.