INTEGRITY, HONOR. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez addresses the members of the House of Representatives during the resumption of sessions on Monday (Nov. 6, 2023). During plenary sessions, House members adopted a resolution upholding the chamber’s integrity and honor, and expressing full support to Romualdez’s leadership. (Courtesy of Speaker's office)
MANILA – The House of Representatives on Monday adopted a resolution upholding its integrity and honor and expressing full support to the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
During the plenary session, the chamber adopted the report from the Committee of the Whole on House Resolution No. 1414, to preserve the honor and integrity of the institution against destabilizing efforts.
House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe said the House members stand firmly behind Speaker Romualdez's leadership to improve the "delivery of our constitutionally-mandated obligation to serve the people through legislation."
"The encompassing majority believes that if we continue to work together, the House of Representatives could more effectively alleviate poverty, build on a stronger future ahead, and compete on efficiencies through laws, measures, and policies that strengthen our republic, and address the most pressing issues confronting us today. The majority believes that this chamber could achieve all these and many more, under the thriving and inspirational leadership of Speaker Romualdez,” Dalipe said in sponsoring the report of the Committee of the Whole on HR 1414.
In a separate sponsorship speech, Gonzales cited Romualdez’s exemplary leadership responsible for maintaining a dynamic, socially coherent, and independent legislature and his unwavering commitment to defending the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives.
“We are deeply touched by the strong leadership of Speaker Romualdez who chose to uphold the dignity and honor of our beloved institution and its members. With a stalwart leader like Speaker Romualdez, we are confident that no matter what obstacles may come our way, we will always stand strong and we will continue to perform the mandate entrusted to us by the people,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales, during the deliberations, resigned as a member and official of political party PDP-Laban after naming former president Rodrigo Duterte as the person behind the demeaning attacks against the chamber.
The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), National Unity Party (NUP), PDP-Laban, Nacionalista Party (NP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Partylist Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI), and Partido Navoteño also expressed full support to the House leadership during the Committee of the Whole.
Among lawmakers who signed HR 1414 were seven Deputy Speakers, including Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Batangas Rep. Ralph Recto, Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar, Cebu Rep. Vincent Franco Frasco, Antipolo City Rep. Roberto Puno, Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan, and TUCP Party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza, as well as Minority Leader and 4Ps Partylist Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, among others.
“The House has always taken criticisms as part and parcel of a healthy, vibrant, and working democracy, but it takes exception to statements made that undermine the independence, integrity, and reputation of the institution,” the lawmakers said in the resolution.
“As a source of our strength and inspiration, we support the Speaker’s relentless dedication in amplifying the voice of every Representative, regardless of the challenges and barriers encountered as demonstrated by his staunch commitment to preserving the democratic values,” they added.
In the resolution, the lawmakers stressed that the “dignity, integrity and reputation of the House of Representatives are of utmost importance and must be preserved at all times,” so as to prevent it from being defamed even more.
Likewise, they lauded Romualdez who, “in the face of adversity, has remained steadfast in defending the integrity and honor of this revered institution against the machinations and intrigues of those driven by personal ambitions and power.” (PNA)
