House Speaker Martin Romualdez (PPAB)

The Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) in the House of Representatives hailed the close collaboration of the chamber under Speaker Martin Romualdez with the Senate and the Marcos administration, which resulted in "record legislative accomplishments" this 19th Congress. 

In a resolution, the coalition headed by Ako-Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co said the House “has maintained a strong collaborative relationship with the Senate and the executive branch, ensuring that priority measures identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) are deliberated upon and enacted in a timely manner, thereby enhancing governance and public service delivery".

“Speaker Romualdez’s leadership has been characterized by integrity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to transformative legislation, earning commendations from his peers and the public, and reinforcing the House’s role as a pillar of democracy,” PCFI said.

The group said the House, under Romualdez, attained “unparalleled legislative productivity during the 19th Congress, filing 13,454 measures, approving 1,368, and enacting 166 into Republic Acts, including 73 national and 93 local laws, thereby setting a new benchmark for legislative efficiency and dedication to public service.".

The resolution added that the chamber “has exhibited exceptional unity and dynamism, processing an average of 12 measures per session day over 178 session days, reflecting a collective commitment to address the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people".

The group also cited the inquiries in aid of legislation the House has conducted in the exercise of its oversight power.

“The House has shown resolute determination in seeking justice for the victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) associated with the illegal drug war, initiating comprehensive investigations to hold accountable those responsible and to dismantle the networks perpetuating such injustices,” it said.

It said the House created the quad-committee (quad-comm) to look into the interconnections among Philippine offshore gaming operations, extrajudicial killings (EJKs), illegal drugs, and Chinese syndicates. This showed the chamber’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rules of law, PCFI said.

“Under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, the House has passed significant legislation aimed at criminalizing extrajudicial killings and banning offshore gaming hubs, reflecting a proactive stance against human rights violations and illegal activities,” said Co, chairman of the Committee on Appropriations.

The coalition says its members “are witness to and are active partners with Speaker Romualdez in the fulfillment of his legislative vision".

In light of these, the PCFI expressed its "unwavering support and full confidence in the leadership" of Speaker Romualdez.