House members aren't blindly following the orders of Speaker Martin Romualdez, contrary to the claim of Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, a congressman said on Thursday, June 5.

Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun says it is "unfair" for Escudero to assume that House lawmakers only follow what Romualdez says because the latter is "not imposing nor bossy".

"Marunong siyang makinig, at binibigyan niya ng opportunity ang lahat ng miyembro na magsalita at magpaliwanag (He knows how to listen, and he gives opportunity for everyone to speak and explain),” Khonghun said.

He says no one in the House of Representatives is a "blind follower" of the Speaker because the solons there "work together because they trust each other".

"Naniniwala kami sa leadership ni Speaker. Hindi niya tayo pinipilit, hinahayaan niya kaming magdesisyon base sa sarili naming prinsipyo at pananaw (We believe in the leadership of the Speaker. He doesn't force us, he lets us decide based on our own principles and perspective),” he said.

Khonghun said Speaker Romualdez’s style of leadership encouraged open dialogue and mutual respect among lawmakers.

“Kaya hindi natin maunawaan at matanggap ang statements ni SP Chiz (That's why we could not understand and accept the Senate President's statements)," he added.

According to Khonghun, the House's legislative performance speaks for itself; Almost all of the priority bills under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and the Common Legislative Agenda of President Marcos have already passed the House.

“Kung sunod-sunuran lang kami, wala siguro kaming ganitong klaseng output. Pero dahil may maayos na direction at solid na teamwork, nagagawa namin ‘yung trabaho (If we're blindly following, we wouldn't have this kind of output. But because we have a good direction and solid teamwork, we're able to do our job),” he said.

Khonghun says that being united does not mean everyone thinks the same, rather, it means they are focused on the same goal.

He emphasized that each member votes according to their conscience and the needs of their constituents.