Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president, Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez says the House of Representatives will go all out to help the Marcos administration achieve its dream of turning the Philippines into an upper-middle income country (UMIC) by late 2025 or 2026.

Romualdez, House Speaker of the previous 19th Congress, shared Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto’s optimism that the country could reach UMC status by the end of this year or in 2026, based on data from the World Bank (WB) and the country’s economic performance.

Romualdez vowed on Saturday, July 5 to push for inclusion in the House's legislative agenda this 20th Congress of measures that would keep the Philippines on track of this distinction.

“I will espouse legislative priorities that would help sustain this momentum. Our goal is to create a policy environment that supports job creation, raises incomes, and ensures that economic gains are felt across all sectors of society,'' he said.

He said the 20th Congress--which will officially convene this month--should focus on measures that “promote inclusive growth, improve public services, and support investments in infrastructure, digitalization, and human capital development.

It is also crucial, Romualdez said, for legislative priorities to include measures that strengthen food security, increase access to affordable healthcare and education, and expand infrastructure development through the Build Better More (BBM) program.

“In support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas, I and our allies in the House would work to ensure every law we pass brings us closer to an economy that works for all Filipinos,” said Romualdez, President Marcos' top ally in the legislature.

According to the WB’s latest classification, the Philippines remains in the lower-middle income (LMIC) category with a gross national income (GNI) per capita of $4,470 in 2024.

This figure surpassed the lower end of the government’s 2023-2028 target and brought the country closer to the UMIC threshold of $4,496.

The Marcos administration has also projected in its 2024 Philippine Development Report that the country could attain upper middle-income status by 2025 or 2026, “driven by strong economic performance and sound fiscal policies.

Romualdez--the presumptive Speaker of the 20th Congress--added that the House should work closely with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to ensure that the 2026 national budget–set at P6.793 trillion–will serve as a key tool to accelerate progress toward the Marcos administration’s medium-term development goals.

“We want the national budget to reflect our shared goals of lifting more Filipinos out of poverty, closing inequality gaps, and making government services more efficient and accessible,” he said.

He added that such spending, when properly implemented, can stimulate domestic demand and protect purchasing power, particularly in rural and low-income communities.

“Sound budgeting and responsible legislation go hand in hand. The House is committed to supporting the executive’s fiscal roadmap and ensuring that resources are directed toward inclusive and sustainable development,” said the veteran solon from Leyte.

He expressed confidence that the House would continue working with the administration to pass measures supporting these objectives, while being mindful of inflation risks and fiscal sustainability.

“Achieving upper-middle income status is a meaningful milestone, but more important is ensuring that growth leads to tangible improvements in the lives of our people,” he said.

The 20th Congress covers 2025 to 2028, or the latter three years of President Marcos term.