House Members Convene to Discuss Smooth Transition
Several members of the 19th Congress and those elected for the 20th Congress gathered for a meeting on May 29 at the House of Representatives. The key topic was ensuring a smooth transition between the two congressional terms, a subject that dominated the discussions throughout the session.
Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V, representing La Union’s 1st district, shared insights with reporters about the meeting’s agenda. He emphasized that the gathering primarily focused on administrative matters related to the transition from the 19th to the 20th Congress. “Admin matters naman yon. Ginagawa naman talaga parang transition yon ng 19th to the 20th Congress,” Ortega explained.
Administrative Matters and Party Initiatives
Leaders from several political parties, including Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), Nacionalista Party (NP), National Unity Party (NUP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), and the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI), attended the meeting. This session was held immediately following the 8th Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting at Malacañang.
Ortega noted that the various parties took the opportunity to discuss their respective legislative priorities. “Siyempre may mga kaniya-kaniyang pet na bills yan saka mga gustong iusad tsaka ilaban na mga measures,” he said, highlighting the different bills and key measures each party wanted to advance.
Focus on Internal House Affairs
The lawmaker clarified that the meeting was not political but focused on internal House matters. “Parang halos lahat ng napag-usapan admin matters. Hindi political yong meeting kung di yong internal ng House compositions, committees, number nung bagong congressman, numbers ng mga outgoing,” Ortega stated.
He added that part of the discussion involved recognizing members completing their final terms before the sine die adjournment. “Yong mga natapos po yong nine years,” he said, referring to those who have served the maximum allowed consecutive terms.
Furthermore, the meeting covered practical matters such as room assignments, reinforcing the administrative nature of the discussions. “Actually yong mga naunang napag-usapan pa nga room assignments eh. So sobrang admin matters talaga yong talks ng meeting namin,” Ortega confirmed.
Historic Leadership Under Speaker Romualdez
The attendees also took a moment to commend Speaker Martin Romualdez for his leadership. Ortega described the House’s performance during Romualdez’s speakership as not only near-perfect but historic. “We discussed admin matters, and under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, the House has not only maintained a near-perfect record but has also achieved historic milestones. We have truly proven the caliber of the Speaker’s leadership,” he said.
This widespread support was evident as 280 out of 285 lawmakers who expressed their stance have signed a manifesto endorsing Romualdez as Speaker for the upcoming 20th Congress.
For more news and updates on smooth transition in Congress, visit Filipinokami.com.