HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ dedication to transparency and accountability as it resumed its session for the 19th Congress on Monday, following the Christmas recess.
He underscored the legislature’s commitment to addressing pressing national issues, including the rising costs of food and electricity.
“Good governance demands transparency and accountability. This chamber is the vanguard of that principle,” Speaker Romualdez declared, as he announced a series of oversight hearings. These investigations will focus on smuggling and hoarding practices that inflate food prices and harm farmers, as well as ₱206 billion in disallowed expenditures by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
Romualdez also highlighted the urgency of energy reforms aimed at reducing electricity costs. “We will investigate ₱11.18 billion worth of expired medicines and underutilized PhilHealth funds—an affront to every Filipino struggling for access to healthcare,” he emphasized.
Committees, including the Quinta Comm and the Committee on Ways and Means, have already initiated probes into the high costs of agricultural products, electricity, and alleged NGCP violations, including concerns over its partial ownership by Chinese interests.
“Public trust is sacred, and this House will never betray it,” Romualdez assured his colleagues and the Filipino people. Addressing critics, he stated, “Itutuloy natin ang trabahong ini-atang sa atin ng mamamayan. Hindi tayo aatras sa anumang laban para sa bayan.”
House Achievements and Legislative Agenda
Reflecting on the accomplishments of 2024, Romualdez lauded the House’s role in fostering the nation’s economic resilience despite challenges. He noted projections of a 5.9% to 6.5% growth rate, crediting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program, which funneled over ₱1.2 trillion into transformative projects.
While acknowledging these achievements, Romualdez also pointed to ongoing struggles with inflation, despite its easing to 4.9%. “Economic progress must directly benefit the Filipino people,” he stressed, asking, “Para saan ang pag-unlad kung hindi makikinabang ang ordinaryong Pilipino?”
He highlighted the passage of 183 laws in 2024, emphasizing their transformative impact:
CREATE MORE Act: Boosting investments and job creation.
Self-Reliant Defense Posture Act: Enhancing national security while generating skilled employment.
Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act: Combating smuggling and profiteering.
Philippine Maritime Zones Act & Philippine Archipelagic Sealanes Act: Strengthening sovereignty and expanding the maritime economy.
ARAL Act: Addressing educational gaps for Filipino youth.
“These are not just policies—they are commitments to a better, fairer, and stronger nation,” Romualdez stated.
Global Leadership and Future Events
Romualdez also highlighted the Philippines’ growing prominence on the global stage. He announced that the country will host the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum (PI-SF) next month, bringing together representatives from 96 nations to discuss global security, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Additionally, the Philippines will chair ASEAN in 2026 and host the 47th AIPA General Assembly.
“The $100 billion in investments secured through state visits reflects international confidence in our nation’s future,” Romualdez noted, emphasizing that these investments will drive industrial transformation and push the country closer to prosperity.
A Call for Unity and Service
Urging his colleagues to legislate with empathy and integrity, Romualdez called for unity in building an inclusive and progressive nation.
“Let us build a nation where every Filipino, no matter their station, feels the hand of government working for their benefit,” he said.
He concluded with a message of hope and determination: “Walang maiiwan. Sama-sama nating itutulak ang batas na mag-aangat sa buhay ng bawat Pilipino.”