Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president, Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez says that the "Bagong Pilipinas" brand of government under President Marcos is beginning to bear fruit.

The ex-House Speaker had this to say Saturday, July 26, just days after Marcos came back home from a trip to the United States (US) wherein the latter secured over $21 billion in investment pledges and $63 million in development assistance.

Adding to ths backdrop of Romualdez’s remarks is Marcos' fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28, wherein the Chief Executive is expected to highlight his administration’s achievements this past year.

“We are witnessing the early gains of Bagong Pilipinas—a nation that is globally connected, economically confident, and better equipped to rise above challenges,” said Romualdez, arguably Marcos' most trusted lieutenant in government.

Marcos further announced that the US government committed $15 million in support of private sector development under the Luzon Economic Corridor Initiative, and an additional $48 million in foreign-assisted development projects.

“These commitments are clear proof that President Marcos is doing what it takes to attract long-term capital that will translate into real benefits for our people—more jobs, more infrastructure, and more opportunities for every Filipino family,” Romualdez said.

He also highlighted the importance of the President’s diplomatic efforts to bolster the Philippines’ longstanding alliance with the US—not only to uphold regional peace and stability, but also to expand trade, investment, and economic cooperation that supports the country’s long-term development.

President Marcos said his US visit “reaffirmed our mutual commitment to further strengthening our longstanding alliance and growing our economies for the benefit of our people and in pursuit of our national interest".

Romualdez backed this, and said: “The President has made it clear that the Philippines is open for business—and the world is responding positively. These investment commitments are the result of consistent leadership, credibility, and the country’s improving economic fundamentals."

The Leyte solon reckoned that the 20th Congress must play a crucial role in ensuring that these pledges are translated into actual investments through legislation that positions the Philippines as the preferred investment destination in Asia.

Toward this end, Romualdez committed to advancing legislative measures aligned with the President’s economic agenda to build a more dynamic, resilient, and inclusive economy.

“Ang ating tungkulin sa Kongreso ay tiyaking maisasakatuparan ang mga planong ito sa pamamagitan ng batas. Kung may kumpiyansa ang mundo sa atin, mas lalo tayong dapat magkaisa upang itaguyod ang kinabukasan ng bawat Pilipino,” said the presumptive Speaker of the 20th Congress.

(Our duty in Congress is to ensure that these plans are realized through legislation. If the world has confidence in us, then all the more we must unite to uphold the future of every Filipino.)

President Marcos' SONA will mark the beginning of plenary sessions in the nascent 20th Congress.