Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan gave props to his counterpart in the House of Representatives--Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos--for steering key measures in the chamber during a very difficult time in its history.

Libanan did so in his sine die adjournment speech Wednesday night, June 3, wherein he said noted that the House faced a series of major tests during the first regular session of the 20th Congress, including allegations of corruption in flood control projects, leadership changes, global economic pressures triggered by conflict in the Middle East, and the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

As majority leader, Marcos served as the right-hand man of House Speaker Isabela 6th district Rep. Faustino "Bojie" Dy III and--for all intents and purposes--the director of traffic in plenary.

Marcos is concurrently the chairman of the powerful Committee on Rules.

“With intelligence, patience, and political maturity beyond his years, he skillfully shepherded numerous measures through the legislative process, built consensus among differing viewpoints, and ensured that the work of this chamber moved steadily forward,” Libanan said of the majority leader.

“Time and again, he demonstrated that leadership is not merely about counting votes but about earning trust,” he said of Marcos, who was the senior deputy majority leader of the previous 19th Congress.

The 32-year-old is on his second term in the 300-plus strong legislative chamber.

Libanan also lauded Speaker Dy for keeping the House focused on its work amid political turbulence.

“History often renders its judgment on leaders not in times of stability, but in moments of uncertainty,” he said.

“Yet amid the turbulence, you remained focused on the work that truly matters—the work of serving the Filipino people,” noted Libanan.

“Sa gitna ng mga hamon, kontrobersiya, at pagbabago ng panahon, hindi po ninyo hinayaang mawala sa landas ang Kapulungang ito. Habang ang iba ay nakatingin sa pulitika, kayo po ay nakatuon sa paglilingkod,” Libanan said.

(Amid challenges, controversies, and changing times, you did not allow this chamber to lose its way. While others focused on politics, you remained devoted to service.)

The minority leader stressed that the House acted because the Constitution required it.

More than 160 measures have already been transmitted to the Senate, while half, or 26, of the 52 priority measures endorsed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) have been approved on third and final reading. More key proposals awaiting final approval and bicameral deliberations.

Among the measures cited by the Speaker were the proposed National Land Use Act, Digital Payments Act, Department of Water Resources bill, strengthening of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), energy and education reforms, the KALINGA Act, Right to Information Act, Anti-Political Dynasty Act, Anti-Fake News and Disinformation Act, and measures aimed at protecting children from online abuse and exploitation.

Libanan said adversity ultimately revealed the strength of the institution.

“This House was tested repeatedly throughout this First Regular Session. Yet despite every challenge, every controversy, every disagreement, and every political storm, this institution continued to function. Laws were passed. Debates were held. Oversight was exercised. And public service continued,” Libanan said.

The 4Ps lawmaker also highlighted what he described as the constructive role played by the minority bloc throughout the session.

“The Minority did not merely criticize. We contributed,” Libanan said.

“We worked constructively with our colleagues in crafting legislation, particularly the national budget, because we understood that the Filipino people deserve solutions, not endless political conflict,” he further said.