Fresh Lawmakers Boost House of Representatives 20th Congress
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives 20th Congress is set to become even more dynamic with the influx of fresh lawmakers, Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said Thursday. This new batch brings renewed energy and fresh perspectives that promise to enhance the chamber’s work.
Romualdez shared these insights during a meeting with over 60 lawmakers on Wednesday night. He acknowledged that while the 19th Congress was arguably the most productive in recent memory, the House of Representatives 20th Congress has the potential to surpass those achievements with the new members on board.
Data from Secretary General Reginald Velasco revealed that the 20th Congress includes 97 neophyte lawmakers, comprising 69 district representatives and 28 party-list members. This fresh group is expected to bring innovative ideas and vigor to legislative processes.
Setting Higher Benchmarks for the 20th Congress
“We concluded the 19th Congress as a very productive session,” Romualdez noted, highlighting that the House approved 61 of the 64 priority measures identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). “Many say, and I agree, that it was the hardest-working Congress in recent history. Yet, I believe the 20th Congress can be even better—especially with your involvement.”
During the 19th Congress, members filed 11,557 bills and 2,393 resolutions, leading to the enactment of 287 national and local laws from 1,565 passed measures. Romualdez, who served as Speaker, reminded the newcomers that their role extends beyond crafting laws; it involves genuine engagement with their constituents.
“The House isn’t just about legislation—it’s about listening, serving, and uplifting the people. With your passion and fresh viewpoints, I’m confident we can make this 20th Congress the most dynamic yet,” he emphasized. “With you, the 20th Congress can be even better.”
Training and Collaboration Among New Lawmakers
The second group of neophyte legislators recently completed a three-day seminar jointly organized by the House Secretariat and the University of the Philippines – National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG). The first group finished their training in June.
The dinner meeting at Imelda Hall, Aguado Residence in Manila, included Romualdez’s son, Tingog party-list Representative Andrew Julian Romualdez. He is counted among the next generation of House leaders, alongside Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javi Benitez, Batangas 6th District Representative Ryan Recto, FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list Representative Brian Poe, and Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Legarda Leviste.
Each of these young leaders hails from notable political families. Benitez is the son of former Bacolod mayor and current representative Albee Benitez; Recto is the son of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and Governor Vilma Santos; Poe is the son of former senator Grace Poe; and Leviste is the son of Senator Loren Legarda and former governor Tony Leviste.
Before the dinner, Romualdez Jr., Benitez, Recto, and Poe shared a working lunch during a seminar break. Their gathering aimed to exchange ideas on policy-making, public service, and governance.
Support from Experienced Legislators
Veteran lawmakers also joined the fellowship, including Quezon Representative David Suarez, former Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Manila Representative Joel Chua, Davao de Oro Representative Maricar Zamora, and House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, among others.
Members of the Young Guns bloc, such as La Union Representative Paolo Ortega V, Zambales Representative Jay Khonghun, 1-Rider party-list Representative Rodge Gutierrez, Manila Representative Ernix Dionisio, and Cagayan de Oro City Representative Lordan Suan, were also present, fostering camaraderie among the new and seasoned legislators.
With fresh energy and seasoned guidance, the House of Representatives 20th Congress is poised to deliver impactful legislation and genuine public service in the years ahead.
For more news and updates on House of Representatives 20th Congress, visit Filipinokami.com.