House Lawmakers Back Bills Aligning with Legislative Agenda
MANILA, Philippines — Several House lawmakers have pledged their support for bills that align with the administration’s legislative agenda, following President Marcos’s outline of his plans for the remaining years of his term. Their commitment reflects a shared vision to push forward policies that benefit the majority of Filipinos.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez emphasized his backing of the administration’s goal to make food accessible to all. He highlighted the intent to build an economy where Filipinos not only survive but thrive, reinforcing the key phrase “administration’s legislative agenda” early in the discussion.
Romualdez made these statements a day after President Marcos delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), which provided Congress a clear roadmap for the administration’s objectives in the next three years.
“We will build an economy not just for the top 1 percent, but for the struggling 99 percent—an economy where ordinary people don’t just survive, they succeed,” Romualdez declared. He added in Tagalog, “Sa bayan ng masisipag na magsasaka, walang karapatang magutom ang mamamayan.”
As part of his legislative agenda, Romualdez has filed bills seeking to amend provisions of the Rice Tariffication Law. These amendments aim to give the National Food Authority (NFA) greater influence over market prices to protect Filipino consumers and farmers.
Supporting Long-Term Jobs and Education
Romualdez also expressed strong support for President Marcos’s drive to develop key industries such as automotive, electronics, biotechnology, and construction. He believes these sectors will create sustainable, long-term employment opportunities for Filipino workers.
He stated, “Ang trabaho ay hindi lamang kabuhayan. Kakambal nito ang dangal, ito ang kinabukasan.” He also stressed the importance of education, saying, “Ang edukasyon ay hindi dapat premyo sa may kaya, kundi karapatan ng bawat bata.”
Quezon City Representative Patrick Michael Vargas echoed these sentiments. He mentioned that his proposed bills — including the Growth and Recovery for MSMEs, Shared Service Facilities for MSMEs, and the Digital Public Libraries and Reading Centers Act — will focus on enhancing livelihood, health, and education.
“Sa temang ito iikot ang ating mga panukala ngayong ika-20 ng Kongreso,” Vargas said, highlighting the alignment with the administration’s legislative agenda. He added, “We must translate national agenda into concrete laws that better lives and ensure that no one is left behind.”
Grassroots Progress and Livelihood Programs
Meanwhile, Tingog party-list Representative Andrew Romualdez emphasized their commitment to turning the President’s vision into reality. He noted that the Speaker’s call resonates deeply with their mission.
“We are encouraged by the President’s direction. His message affirms what we in TINGOG have always believed: that progress must be felt at the grassroots,” said Rep. Romualdez, son of Speaker Romualdez. “A government that works for the people must be present where it matters most.”
Tingog party-list Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez highlighted the importance of assistance to poor Filipino families through livelihood programs from the Department of Labor and Employment. She described these programs as creating opportunities for long-term economic independence.
“This is not just assistance, it is an opportunity to begin something anew,” Rep. Yedda said. “Every sari-sari store that opens, every vendor who no longer needs to borrow at high interest—these are stories of self-worth, not dependence.”
President Marcos’s Vision and Budget Warnings
In his SONA, President Marcos cited various achievements such as expanded electrification, the P20 per kilogram rice price at Kadiwa stores, plans to build 40,000 classrooms by 2028, and positioning the Philippines as ready for investments.
However, he also issued a stern warning about the national budget process. Marcos said he will reject any proposed national budget that does not align with the administration’s programs.
He expressed concern over the flood control program, citing fears that corruption has led to budget losses. “Therefore, for the 2026 national budget, I will return any proposed General Appropriations Bill that is not fully-aligned with the National Expenditures Program. And further, I am willing to do this even if we end up with a reenacted budget,” Marcos stated firmly.
Understanding the Budget Process
The budget process starts with the President and the executive branch submitting their proposed appropriations, compiled in the National Expenditures Program (NEP). This is then reviewed by the House committee on appropriations, where lawmakers may adjust it within the President’s set ceiling.
After the House finalizes its changes, the bill becomes the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) and moves to the Senate, which can also propose amendments. A reenacted budget occurs if the budget bill is not signed into law before the year ends, forcing the government to continue spending based on the previous year’s budget.
Local leaders noted these developments as vital in ensuring that laws and budgets align with the administration’s legislative agenda for the benefit of all Filipinos.
For more news and updates on administration’s legislative agenda, visit Filipinokami.com.
