HOUSE ADOPTS RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF PBBM, SPEAKER ROMUALDEZ

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Following the grave threats publicly aired by Vice President Sara Duterte over the weekend, the House of Representatives on Monday (25 November 2024) unanimously adopted a resolution expressing support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

Sponsored by Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., along with Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, House Resolution (HR) No. 2092 is entitled, “Expressing the unwavering and unqualified support and solidarity of the House of Representatives to the leadership of His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and the Honorable Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez in the face of serious and dangerous remarks and defiant acts that threaten the very foundation of democratic governance, rule of law, and public trust and integrity of government institutions.”

Other authors of the resolution include House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, and Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre of Tingog Partylist.

In support of the resolution, the following lawmakers from various political parties expressed their individual manifestations: Deputy Speaker David “Jay-jay” Suarez of Quezon from Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD); Rep. Albert S. Garcia (2nd District, Bataan) from the National Unity Party (NUP); Rep. Mark Enverga (1st District, Quezon) from the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC); Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (2nd District, Surigao del Norte) from the Nacionalista Party (NP); Rep. Rosanna Ria Vergara (3rd District, Nueva Ecija) from Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP); Rep. Erwin Tulfo of ACT-CIS from the Party-List Coalition Foundation (PCFI); Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Jam Baronda (Lone District, Iloilo City) from Lakas-CMD; Rep. Toby Tiangco (Lone District, Navotas City) from Partido Navoteño; and Rep. Gabriel Bordado (3rd District, Camarines Sur) from the Liberal Party (LP).

“The importance of this resolution cannot be overstated. As members of this honorable and highly esteemed institution, it is our responsibility to uphold the dignity, honor and integrity of the House of Representatives,” Gonzales said.

“In doing so, we must also express our collective solidarity with our leaders who stand at the forefront of defending our democratic institutions and the rule of law,” he said.

Dalipe delivered a separate sponsorship speech, in which he, like Gonzales, referred to threats made on President Marcos, the First Lady and Speaker Romualdez, and other threatening and explosive statements.

The two leaders did not refer to Vice President Sara Duterte by name as the one who made those utterances over the weekend.

Gonzales said President Marcos Jr.’s leadership “continues to guide our nation toward progress and stability.”

“His vision for a strong and united Philippines is evident in his administration’s achievements. It is our duty as legislators to rally behind our President in defending the interests of the Filipino people and safeguarding the future of our democratic institutions,” he added.

In his sponsorship remarks, Gonzales referred to “recent events” that “have brought to light conduct and statements that not only threaten the dignity of this chamber but also compromise national security and public trust in government.”

“These include actions that defy protocols, undermine accountability, and most alarmingly, threats to the very lives of our leaders – His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the First Lady, Mrs. Liza Araneta Marcos, and our beloved Speaker, Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez,” he said, without naming Vice President Sara Duterte as the one who made the statements over the weekend.

He said as for Speaker Romualdez, the House leader “has displayed exemplary leadership and unwavering resolve in defending this institution against those who seek to weaken it.”

“His swift and decisive response to these serious threats is a testament to his commitment to upholding the principles of democratic governance and the rule of law,” he said.

He added that under the leadership of Speaker Romualdez, the House “has demonstrated unity, dynamism, and effectiveness in performing its mandate.”

“We have passed crucial legislations that support the priorities of the administration and address the needs of our constituents. These successes show that, with a stalwart like Speaker Romualdez, this institution can withstand any obstacle and remain a pillar of democracy,” Gonzales stressed.

For his part, Dalipe said the House of Representatives “stands as a cornerstone of this nation’s democracy.”

“As we carry out our mandate and stand to uphold the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, we operate on established rules and procedures to ensure transparency, accountability, and order within our walls – and beyond,” he said.

He said over the past few days, the nation “witnessed the blatant disregard for these rules and protocols by no less than the second highest official of the land.”

“I take this opportunity to reiterate that this august chamber must be accorded the honor and dignity befitting its status as the House of the People. To disrespect this chamber is to disrespect the people that we represent. No public official, regardless of rank or position, should consider itself above and beyond the 100-million strong Filipino people by obstructing the lawful proceedings and orders of the House,” he added.

Dalipe pointed out that the “wanton breach of protocol, the use of vindictive language, and the threat of harm aimed at the leaders of this country show a deep and encompassing disrespect for the rule of law and the democratic institutions that we have sworn to protect.”

“I believe that we can do better. We must remember that our actions set the tone of public governance in the country. I applaud President Marcos and Speaker Romualdez for their patience, restraint, and ability to rise above the fray by blocking out the external noise and focusing on the work that needs to be done. I urge all of us to follow their example,” he stressed.

He urged his colleagues to “continue to do our work, no matter the obstacles put in our path, and remember that it is in our collective strength that we have achieved all our legislative goals, and more.”

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