For the country to move forward, the leadership of the House of Representatives (HOR) needs the support and positive contributions of the chamber’s members.
This is according to Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante Jr., who on Tuesday said he would extend his support to the new leaders of the House, just as he had enjoyed the support of fellow legislators when he was Deputy Speaker and Minority Leader in the 18th Congress.
On Monday, at the opening of the 19th Congress, members of the HOR resoundingly elected Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez Speaker of the House.
“Having been fortunate to have served in a leadership position in the House, I know firsthand how important it is to have the support and assistance of your colleagues,” said the veteran legislator.
Abante added: “With the country in the grip of a crisis, it was crucial for the membership of the House to rally behind House leadership to immediately enact legislation vital to the survival of our people.”
“It was crucial then, and it is crucial now—as we work to rebound from the effects of the COVID pandemic and continue to find ways to provide livelihood, food security, and adequate health care for over 110 million Filipinos.”
On Monday, at the opening of the 19th Congress, members of the HOR resoundingly elected Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez Speaker of the House.
Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, on the other hand, was elected Majority Leader, while former President and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were elected Senior Deputy Speaker.
Elected Deputy Speakers were representatives Raymond Democrito Mendoza (TUCP party-list), Roberto Puno (1st District Antipolo City), Kristine Singson-Meehan (2nd District Ilocos Sur), Isidro Ungab (3rd District, Davao City), and Camille Villar (Las Piñas City).
“The important thing is that we all agree that the welfare of our constituents is our primordial concern, and we are all motivated by the desire to serve them to the best of our ability as their representatives in Congress.”
The lawmaker said the battle cry of “unity” should enjoin all legislators to set aside political differences in order to fast-track urgent legislation.
He explained, however, that it was nonetheless incumbent on all members of the House “to contribute positively to proposed legislation to make good measures better so that they become great laws.”
“The important thing is that we all agree that the welfare of our constituents is our primordial concern, and we are all motivated by the desire to serve them to the best of our ability as their representatives in Congress.”
