Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez says the House of Representatives is willing to do its part to improve livelihood among Filipinos as the government tries to soften the 20 percent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on Philippine goods.

Romualdez, the House Speaker during the previous 19th Congress, had this to say Tuesday, July 22, amid President Marcos' official visit to the United States (US), which the former described as both a strategic diplomatic engagement and a deeply practical mission for the welfare of every Filipino.

Marcos' visit comes at a critical moment, with new US tariffs on key Philippine exports set to take effect on Aug. 1, threatening jobs and industries at home.

“If the President can secure even a pathway toward tariff relief or a fairer trade deal, we in Congress are ready to do our part. Maghahain kami ng mga panukalang batas na makakatulong sa ating mga magsasaka, manggagawa, at negosyante para mas umangat ang kabuhayan ng bayan,” he said.

(We will propose legislation that supports our farmers, workers, and entrepreneurs—so that our nation's livelihood can thrive.)

US President Donald Trump had announced that beginning Aug. 1, 2025, the US will raise tariffs on Philippine goods to 20 percent, up from the previously announced 17 percent rate.

“We fully support the President’s (Marcos) mission,” said Romualdez, president of the dominant Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party.

“Sa gitna ng mga hamon sa ating ekonomiya at seguridad, napakahalaga ng matibay at patas na ugnayan sa mga kaalyado nating bansa. Ang layunin ng Pangulo ay malinaw—masigurong may trabaho, pagkain, at kapayapaan para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” said the Visayan.

(Amid the challenges to our economy and national security, strong and equitable ties with our allied nations are essential. The President’s goal is clear—to ensure jobs, food, and peace for every Filipino family.)

Romualdez also lauded the President’s effort to attract more investments to the Philippines, particularly in energy, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure—sectors that will create thousands of jobs and uplift more Filipinos from poverty.

“Ang mga pangakong dala ng pamumuhunan ay hindi lang para sa malalaking negosyo. Ito ay para sa mga kabataang naghahanap ng trabaho, para sa mga pamilyang umaasang may mas magandang bukas,” Romualdez said.

(The promises brought by investment are not just for big businesses. They are for the youth seeking employment, and for families hoping for a brighter future.)

The former House leader also welcomed reports that President Marcos was pursuing a bilateral trade arrangement with the US. He said such agreements must be grounded in fairness and mutual respect.

“This is where visionary leadership matters. Hindi ito usapin ng pulitika kundi ng kinabukasan (This isn’t about poitics, but about our future). We need a seat at the table—not as a junior partner, but as a trusted and equal ally,” he said.

He said the House is prepared to enact enabling legislation that ensures any commitments made abroad translate to benefits felt by Filipinos at home.

“As the President builds bridges across borders, our role in Congress is to build ladders of opportunity here at home,” Romualdez said.