Silent but Effective Leadership in Congress
Quezon 2nd district Representative David “Jay-Jay” Suarez has commended the silent but effective leadership of House Speaker Martin Romualdez during the 19th Congress. As the election for the House Speakership approaches for the 20th Congress, Suarez highlighted how Romualdez has managed to unite lawmakers from diverse backgrounds under a common goal.
“Tahimik lang si Speaker Romualdez, pero well-oiled machine ang Kongresong pinapatakbo niya. Lahat ng kulay, kasama basta naniniwala sa pagkakaisa. Magaling din siyang consensus builder, kaya hindi kataka-taka na madami ang susupoorta sa kanya,” Suarez said.
This statement emphasizes that despite Romualdez’s quiet demeanor, the Congress he leads functions efficiently, fostering unity among members regardless of their political affiliations. His skill in building consensus has earned him widespread support from fellow legislators.
Strong Support and Cohesive Majority
According to sources familiar with the matter, 285 out of 317 incoming lawmakers have already pledged their support for Romualdez, with 279 backing this endorsement in writing. Suarez, who serves as a deputy speaker, described this group as the most cohesive and confident House seen in decades.
“This is the most cohesive and confident House we have seen in decades. It is not just a supermajority in numbers but a supermajority borne out of trust, built on performance and held together by the strong, principled and competent leadership of Speaker Romualdez,” he added.
Suarez also noted that the unity called for by President Marcos has been realized through Romualdez’s leadership, which prioritizes action over rhetoric. “Hindi natin maikakaila na ang 19th Congress ang isa sa pinaka-produktibong Kongreso sa kasaysayan, at lahat ng iyan ay dahil may lider tayong responsible at maaasahan,” he said.
Legislative Achievements Under Romualdez’s Leadership
From July 2022 to May 2025, the House of Representatives, under Romualdez’s guidance, processed an average of 14 measures per session day and passed over 230 laws. Many of these laws have played key roles in advancing national development and providing assistance to Filipino citizens.
Importantly, the House successfully completed the entire Common Legislative Agenda of the Marcos administration, ensuring that nearly all priority bills recommended by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council were approved within the expected timeframe.
“Speaker Romualdez engineered a partnership with Malacañang that produced results at the pace of public need. In a time when Filipinos demanded progress, the House responded. Quiet but strong leadership ang brand ni Speaker, at alam ng mga mambabatas ‘yan kaya siya pa rin ang pipiliing Speaker,” Suarez observed.
Among the significant laws passed were the Maharlika Investment Fund, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, the Magna Carta for Seafarers, and the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. These measures reflect the Congress’s focus on economic growth, protection of workers, and agrarian reform.
Looking Ahead to the 20th Congress
With the upcoming election for House Speaker in the 20th Congress, Romualdez’s proven leadership and the broad support from his colleagues position him as the leading candidate to continue steering the House. His quiet yet effective style has fostered collaboration and productivity, qualities highly valued by many lawmakers.
As the nation watches, the continued leadership of Romualdez in the House of Representatives could further enhance legislative accomplishments and unity among Filipino legislators.
For more news and updates on House Speaker leadership, visit Filipinokami.com.