By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In line with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. of a more compassionate and equitable society, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has expressed appreciation to the executive departments for their swift response to his call for enhanced benefits for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
On Thursday (21 March 2024) Romualdez noted that the implementation of the increased monthly discount to P500 signifies a notable advance in the government’s commitment to these sectors.
“The swift action taken by these departments to increase the discounts for our senior citizens and PWDs is not just a victory for these groups but a triumph for all ordinary Filipinos,” Romualdez stressed.
He commended the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Energy (DOE) for their decisive actions following productive dialogues, particularly praising Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Undersecretary Carolina Sanchez, and her team at the DTI for their role in facilitating this prompt response.
The Speaker from Leyte said this initiative is in line with the broader government agenda to enhance the quality of life for all Filipinos, especially the elderly and PWDs.
The move also complements the recent enactment of Republic Act 11982, the Expanded Centenarian Act, which provides additional support to senior citizens.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Three months ahead of the June 2024 deadline, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday (19 March 2024) declared that the House of Representatives has already approved all 19 measures identified by LEDAC (Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council) as a priority.
“This clearly shows that this present House of the People is a proactive chamber that caters and listens to the needs of the people passing needed legislation attuned to the Philippine Development Plan and the 8-point Socio-Economic Agenda under the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) of His Excellency PBBM,” Romualdez pointed out.
During the LEDAC meeting, the leader of the 300 plus-strong House of Representatives also reiterated the support of the lower chamber to PBBM “in our goal for a brighter, better Philippines for our countrymen.”
Maharlika NuMedia gathered that the 19 measures are:
– Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System,
– Negros Island Region
– Philippine Maritime Zones Act
– Amendments to the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act
– Philippine Defense Industry Development Act (PDIDA)/Self-Reliant Defense Posture Act
– Valuation Reform Bill
– Waste-to-Energy Bill
– Instituting a National Citizens Service Training (NCST) Program
– E-Government/E-Governance Act
– Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act (AFASA)
– Enabling Law for the Natural Gas Industry
– VAT on Digital Services
– Open Access in Data Transmission Act
– Military and Uniformed Personnel Reform Bill
— Blue Economy Act
– Amendments to the Government Procurement Reform Act
– Department of Water Resources and Services
– Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act
– CREATE MORE
“Mr. President, we have done our homework and all the 19 measures re-prioritized for target by June 2024 have been approved on the third and final reading by the House of Representatives,” Romualdez said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Crossing party lines, 30 congressmen from the National Capital Region (NCR) have declared their unequivocal support for Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez against “baseless accusations” related to amending the 1987 Constitution.
In a three-page “Statement of Solidarity,” the lawmakers said they are “standing firm with the Speaker from Leyte in upholding the rights enshrined in our Constitution,” adding that democracy’s cornerstone is people’s “immutable right to have their voices heard.”
“Let it be said, here and now, that we the undersigned Representatives from the National Capital Region denounce efforts to foment disunity in our nation! We call on all to respect each other’s positions and the voices of our citizens and their inalienable right to be heard,” the statement read.
The NCR legislators also pointed out Romualdez’s dedication to serving all districts impartially, without political bias.
“Hearing the clamor of our constituents, we express our undaunted support for Speaker Romualdez who champions the efforts of the public for a lively discourse on the issues besetting the future of our Republic,” they stressed.
The Metro Manila solons, in signing their joint manifesto, described Romualdez as the “Speaker for all and a Speaker of the Nation!”
The signatories were Caloocan Representatives Oscar Malapitan, Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, and Dean Asistio; Makati City Representatives Romulo Pena Jr. and Luis Campos Jr.; Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II; and Pasay Rep. Antonino Calixto; Manila Representatives Ernesto Dionisio Jr., Rolando Valeriano, Joel Chua, Edward Vera Perez Maceda, Irwin Tieng and Bienvenido Abante; Quezon City Representatives Juan Carlos Atayde, Ralph Wendel Tulfo, Franz Pumaren, Marvin Rillo, Patrick Michael Vargas, and Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar; Taguig-Pateros Representatives Ricardo Cruz Jr. and Amparo Maria Zamora; San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora, Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo; Marikina Representatives Marjorie Anne Teodoro, Stella Luz Quimbo; Paranaque Representatives Edwin Olivarez and Gus Tambunting; and Muntinlupa Rep. Jaime Fresnedi.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — It’s more than a rally and concert.
This was the gist of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s statement as he described the Bagong Pilipinas kick-off rally on Sunday (28 Jan 2024).
Romualdez said the event, “marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward a better Philippines, not just for us but, more importantly, for our children.”
He added that his cousin President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has already emphasized the significance of individual resolutions in contributing to the broader goals of the Bagong Pilipinas campaign.
“Unity has always been the bedrock of any successful endeavor, and in the pursuit of a better future for our country, it becomes even more crucial,” Romualdez pointed out.
For the Speaker from Leyte, unity in diversity will serve as a key towards progress.
“The Bagong Pilipinas campaign is a call for unity, a rallying cry for every Filipino to come together, transcending differences and working hand in hand for a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow,” Romualdez stressed.
For his part, Albay Representative Joey Salceda said Bagong Pilipinas was more than a slogan.
He described Bagong Pilipinas as a program of government that reflects the Marcos Jr. administration’s direction to modernization.
“This is reflected in the kind of policies he (the President) has prioritized,” Salceda quipped.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Stressing that the administration of his cousin President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has made some economic strides, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez vowed that the House of Representatives will continue to pursue programs to slow down the inflation rate and bring down the prices of food.
The House leader from Leyte noted that in January 2023 the inflation rate was at 8.7%, the highest in the last 14 years, but the PBBM administration has significantly reduced it.
“We have tamed the monster, cutting it down by more than half,” Romualdez declared.
Romualdez made the statement on Sunday (January 7) following the report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) that the inflation rate eased for the third straight month in December to 3.9% from P4.1% in November and 4.9% in October.
“We are happy about this encouraging piece of good news, especially for our people. The easing of inflation last month meant that food prices were still down despite the fact the December and the Christmas season usually see prices jumping to unreasonable levels,” the president of the ruling Lakas-CMD said.
Romualdez underscored that the slowing down of the inflation rate indicates the success of the interventions implemented by the Marcos Jr. administration.
“This development is a testament to the collective effort and resilience of our people and the Marcos administration’s commitment to make life better for every Filipino,” he emphasized.
The leader of the 316-member House of Representatives promised that the lower chamber will remain focused on pursuing programs, especially those funded in the 2024 national budget, that would further bring down inflation by supporting farmers and fisherfolk in general, keeping the economy growing, while helping the vulnerable sectors.
Of the 316 representatives, 253 from congressional districts while 63 are party-list representatives.
“We have to assist those in our agriculture sector, including those engaged in agri-business, so they can produce more. More rice, more fish, more vegetables, more staple food will translate to lower prices,” Romualdez expressed his commitment.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — House Speaker Martin Romualdez said that he agrees with the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in their message to support Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
“I agree with the overseas Filipino worker who greeted me in Japan with a placard bearing a significant message. We should all support and respect the Vice President,” Romualdez said in a statement.
“The same respect and support that we should extend to the President and other government officials,” he added.
The statement was made after his encounter with OFWs in Japan, in which he was greeted by them with placards: “Please support VP Inday Sara Duterte.”
Romualdez is a former Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) partymate of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio before the latter resigned last May lamenting political “toxicity” and “powerplay” within the ruling political party.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Acknowledging that workers with a monthly salary of P23,000 or less are considered near-poor, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez of Leyte and Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy Co are eyeing to grant them a one-time P5,000 financial aid each under the Ayuda sa Kapos sa Kita Program (AKAP) that has a P60 billion allocation benefitting around 12 million households.
Romualdez stressed the importance of the project as it would extend assistance beyond the marginalized sector, most of whom are covered by the conditional cash transfer program of the government.
“Some salient features of the 2024 budget have made sure, on the part of the House, that this budget will be one in fighting inflation because the prices of goods are increasing, and it will be very much pro-poor. We are very much focused on the social service and social welfare program for the poor,” Romualdez said.
For his part, Co has revealed that AKAP is likely to be fulfilled after the bicameral conference committee approved the final version of the proposed 2024 national budget.
The Ako Bicol lawmaker also bared last week that it would include a P60 billion allocation for AKAP, targeting around 12 million households.
Co, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriations, said that the AKAP, in its goal of fighting inflation, would like to equip near-poor workers with means to buy goods.
“Under AKAP the near poor who earn P23,000 or less would be given social aid. That’s the new program of our administration, of the House under Speaker Martin Romualdez,” Co said.
“More or less around 12 million households are target beneficiaries under this program, which includes construction workers, drivers, factory workers, and the like. More or less P5,000 would be given per person because this is part of our program against inflation.”
Diskarteng Pinoy, a budding regional party in Region 7, hailed the AKAP of Romualdez and Co.
Further clarification with Co’s office showed that funds for the AKAP would be part of the locally-funded projects of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
“And we actually expanded that definition… We’re trying to expand that to the near-poor, so to speak. We’ll be adding more families. We’ll be more inclusive in that sense. So all the social services will be provided for them,” he added.
Co said the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024 — which Marcos Jr. on Friday, December 15, said he would sign before Christmas Day — was attuned to the administration’s program for health, infrastructure, and food security.
“Pagkain, trabaho, kalusugan, edukasyon at pabahay – yan ang mga pamana ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. na bibigyang katuparan sa pamamagitan ng pambansang budget sa 2024 at mga susunod na taon,” Co said
“Food, jobs, health, education and housing – these are the President’s legacy projects to be delivered through the 2024 budget and beyond,” Co said.
(AI/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that it’s time for the 1987 Constitution to become “more attuned, sensitive and responsive to the times,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has revealed that the House of Representatives will vigorously push for amendments to the charter in 2024.
In a speech on Tuesday, December 12, Romualdez said that he made mention of two resolutions passed by the chamber early this year, both of which call for a constitutional convention (Con-Con) as a mode of amending the constitution.
“I believe 2024 will allow us again to revisit the issue of the constitution because I think it’s timely that we visit, we’d like to focus very much on the economic provisions. But even to get there we have to look at the procedural aspects of the amendment of the constitution so we have to tackle that and of course, make sure that the economic provisions are backed up,” Romualdez said.
However, former and current senators have insisted that the “two houses” of Congress vote separately to prevent the 24-man Senate from being overwhelmed by votes from the much larger House, which currently has over 300 members.
With this deadlock, the House Speaker from Leyte has reached a sort of “Solomonic decision”.
“We will highly recommend that we embark on a people-centered initiative to cure this impasse, so to speak, on how we vote. And I hope that we can undertake this as soon as possible so we can have some clarity on the procedures. We’d like to have that [procedural problem] resolved by and through a people’s initiative,” Romualdez bared.
Diskarteng Pinoy
Meanwhile, the Diskarteng Pinoy — a multisectoral group seeking registration as a regional political party in Region 7 — urged Romualdez to consider the shift to a unitary parliamentary system.
Diskarteng Pinoy stressed that a unitary parliamentary system of government would speed up the passage of laws, propel economic development, and uplift the quality of life of the Filipino people.
A unitary parliamentary republic is a unitary state with a republican form of government in which the political power is vested in and entrusted to the parliament with confidence by its electorate.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
ACKNOWLEDGING THE HURT of having lost a loved one who was the breadwinner, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has extended financial assistance to the family of slain broadcaster Juan “DJ Johnny Walker” Jumalon in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.
Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez personally handed over the P250,000 worth of assistance given by Romualdez to the Jumalon family.
“After suddenly losing a breadwinner, it’s really difficult for a family to pick up the pieces and carry on with their lives,” Romualdez said.
Earlier, Romualdez strongly condemned the dastardly slaying of Jumalon.
The victim was shot dead in his radio station booth at home in Misamis Occidental while he was live streaming on Facebook last November 5.
“No matter what the motive is behind this killing, the Philippine media lost another one of its members, and we don’t want this to keep on happening,” Romualdez stressed.
The House Speaker also promised that Congress will take measures to protect journalists or the members of the reputed Fourth Estate of a democratic society.
“We in Congress will take concrete steps to ensure that every member of the fourth estate is protected from these senseless killings. They must not live in fear just because of their chosen profession,” Romualdez vowed.
(AI/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
SAYING THAT SHE WAS OUT OF COUNTRY when a resolution backing the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, former President and now Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday declared her support for the House leader.
“I’m currently out of the country. However, as I always said, I continue to support the leadership of Speaker Romualdez,” Macapagal-Arroyo said in a brief statement to the media when her office was asked why she was not a co-author of House Resolution 1414.
FPGMA was noticeably absent when HR 1414 was being circulated that upheld the “integrity and dignity” of the House and support for Romualdez.
This move transpired after former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called the lower chamber as the “most corrupt institution” in apparent reaction to the stripping of his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte’s P650-million total of confidential funds for 2024.
The House adopted HR 1414 on Monday, November 6, with Romualdez promising that he is ready to fight for the House’s decision to reallocate the confidential funds to the agencies that safeguard the country’s security and sovereignty in the face of Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
During the six-year-term of FPRRD, the Philippines was “friendly” to China but with the assumption of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. the country has rekindled “warm ties” with the United States.
Some political observers told Maharlika NuMedia that FPGMA now seems to be shifting her support from VP Duterte to Romualdez which may “affect Inday Sara’s chances” in the 2028 presidential race.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
THE BATTLE LINES ARE DRAWN with nine senators fully backing Vice President Sara Duterte’s “right” to her P650-million confidential funds for 2024 even as the majority of the 316 members of the House of Representatives have expressed support to the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
Vice President Duterte and Speaker Romualdez are believed to be the main protagonists in the 2028 presidential race, with Senator Risa Hontiveros as the probable “third force” standard bearer of a “center-moderate left coalition.”
At least nine senators reportedly want VP Duterte to have P650 million in confidential funds back despite the House of Representatives earlier decision to channel it to other government agencies.
The “pro-Sara” senators were identified as Sens. Robinhood Padilla, Christopher “Bong” Go, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Lito Lapid, Francis Tolentino, and Cynthia Villar.
To recall, in October the House of Representatives decided to realign the P650-million total of confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to agencies involved in safeguarding the country’s security and sovereignty in the face of Chinese incursions and harassments.
“It is essential to understand that this decision was made for the benefit of the nation and not as a personal affront to any individual, including VP Duterte,” said the congressmen from different political parties that support the leadership of Romualdez.
Notably, the beneficiaries of the House’s realignment of the confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education include the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (P300 million), the National Security Council (P100 million), and the Philippine Coast Guard (P200 million).
(ai/mnm)
Ni Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Sinabi ni Speaker Martin Romualdez nitong Miyerkoles na ang pagbisita ni Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sa Pilipinas ay lilikha ng mga bagong oportunidad para sa pag-unlad sa pagitan ng Manila at Tokyo.
Ayon kay Romualdez, ang pagbisita ni Kishida ay tiyak na magpapatibay sa relasyon ng Pilipinas at Japan.
Magkakaroon ng special session ang Senado at Kamara sa Nobyembre 4 para sa pagbisita ni Kishida sa bansa.
“This visit, symbolizing the deep and longstanding bond our nations have forged, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a unified vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, signifies the strength of our bilateral ties,” wika ng pinuno ng Kamara.
“We are optimistic that through our discussions, new pathways for collaboration and development will emerge, promising enhanced opportunities and a brighter future for all Filipinos, here and in Japan,” dagdag pa niya.
Dahil ang espesyal na joint session ay magaganap sa punong-tanggapan ng Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan, nangako si Romualdez na titiyakin na magiging kapaki-pakinabang ang pagbisita ng Punong Ministro.
“The House of Representatives, as the honored venue host of this significant event in the Batasang Pambansa Complex, is committed to exerting all efforts to ensure that Prime Minister Kishida’s visit is both fruitful and memorable,” ani Romualdez.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
Leyte District 4 Representative Richard Gomez has expressed his support for House Speaker Martin Romualdez in response to the controversy surrounding the removal of confidential funds from some government agencies.
“I support Speaker Romualdez because he leads our institution, and we must stand by our Speaker,” Gomez affirmed.
Gomez emphasized that the House of Representatives has the authority to scrutinize agencies regarding their proposed budgets.
“That’s the standard procedure. During budget sessions, we, as congressmen, question where the funds will be allocated, the justification for additional funds, and how they intend to utilize these funds,” the Leyte lawmaker explained.
On a different note, the House Majority Floor Leader believes that the decision to eliminate confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education is not politically motivated.
“The next general election is still a long way off, so I don’t think this decision is politically motivated. The focus here is on Congress’s demand for transparency in the allocation of confidential and intelligence funds,” he clarified. (ai/mnm)
MANILA — Pulling no punches, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday (23 Oct 2023) strongly condemned China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the most recent incident being a collision between a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel and a Philippine resupply boat near Ayungin Shoal, well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The Speaker emphasized that these CCG vessel collisions with Philippine boats not only endangered the lives of those on board but also posed a significant threat to regional peace and stability.
“In the House of Representatives, we vehemently denounce China’s recent actions that resulted in the collision of its Coast Guard vessel 5203 with a privately chartered resupply vessel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Romualdez declared in an official statement.
He called upon China to abide by international maritime laws in order to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
“Such actions not only placed the lives of those on board in jeopardy but also imperiled regional peace and stability,” Romualdez stressed.
As the president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), Romualdez affirmed that the Philippine government will exhaust all diplomatic channels and seek support from the international community to counter these “unlawful acts” committed by China.
“We implore China to adhere to international maritime laws and standards, exercise restraint, and ensure the safety of all vessels operating in the West Philippine Sea,” he urged.
The full text of the official Press Statement from the House of Representatives is featured below:
By Junex Doronio
STRESSING THAT THE DECISION to strip Vice President Sara Duterte’s P650-million confidential funds for 2024 was made “in the best interest of national security,” lawmakers crossed party lines to rally behind Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and castigated former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for making threats or insinuating harm against members of the Makabayan bloc in Congress.
Ironically, the older Duterte who once served as representative of Davao City’s first district from 1998 to 2001 is now facing House leaders who also cried foul over his claim that pork barrel funds still exist in the lower chamber.
“It is critical to remember that the ‘pork barrel’ system, which former President Duterte alluded to, has been deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Our Members are firmly committed to respecting and upholding this ruling. Rather than making sweeping allegations in the media, we advise the former president, if he has tangible evidence of wrongdoing, to present it to the appropriate authorities,” the House party leaders said in a joint statement on Saturday, October 14.
Leaders of political parties in the House of Representatives are now rallying behind Romualdez after former President Duterte accused him of “wallowing” in funds that he should be publicly accounted for.
In his earlier interview on SMNI, Duterte dared Romualdez to account for public funds that the House has been spending under him.
He also charged the Speaker of masterminding the attacks against his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, whose popularity has dived based on recent surveys that political analyst Ronald Llamas said to have occurred way before the public outrage on the issue of confidential funds.
The House party leaders pointed out that the decision to realign P1.3 billion in confidential funds—including the P650 million requested by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education (DepEd) —was made “in the best interest of national security.”
“It is essential to understand that this decision was made for the nation’s benefit and not as a personal affront to any individual, including Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio,” the House leaders said.
The Vice President no longer uses her marital surname Carpio for unknown reasons.
They also noted that the request for confidential funds from at least three other civilian agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA) headed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., was also rejected.
“Casting these decisions in a light of personal vendettas is a disservice to the diligent members of the House of the People and the very essence of our democratic process,” the party leaders chided FPRRD.
They said no less than the Commission on Audit (COA) attested to the House’s proper spending of its funds without any notice of disallowance. (ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
RECOGNIZING THE POWER OF SPORTS to foster unity and bring pride to the country, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said more aid should be given to Filipino athletes as he congratulated the Philippine delegation for capturing four gold medals in the recent 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, jiu-jitsu martial artists Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez, and the Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team seized the four gold medals for the country in the recently concluded Asiad.
“The achievements of the Philippine delegation, including securing medals and setting new records, demonstrate our athletes’ dedication, hard work, and excellence. Their success is a testament to the resilience and talent of Filipino sportsmen and sportswomen,” Romualdez said.
Aside from the gold medals, Tokyo Olympics boxing bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial and wushu sanda ace Arnel Mandal secured silver medals. The Philippines also bagged 12 bronze medals.
“Sports has [have] the power to unite a nation, and our athletes have certainly united us through their outstanding achievements. I am committed to furthering sports development in the Philippines to nurture future champions,” Romualdez said.
He also commended the Philippine delegation, the support team, and the individuals and organizations that contributed to the athletes’ success.
“The 19th Asian Games have showcased the country’s potential as a competitive force in international sports. I am confident that this success will inspire future generations of Filipino athletes,” Romualdez stressed. (ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
FIRST, SHE WAS UNCEREMONIOUSLY DEMOTED from Senior Deputy House Speaker to a mere Deputy House Speaker.
Now, the former president of the land and now Pampanga lawmaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo faces possible suspension from the House of Representatives, dominated by political forces loyal to Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
How?
Political pundits claimed this might work if the Ombudsman accedes to a request to place Arroyo under preventive suspension based on the complaint claiming that she grossly misused P38 billion worth of public funds off the Malampaya natural gas plant in Palawan during her presidency.
Maharlika NuMedia gathered that on September 28, Department of Energy Undersecretary Petronilo Ilagan who is now connected with the National Association of Energy Consumers for Reforms, Inc. (Nasecore) and Rogelio Reyes of Boses ng Konsyumer Alliance, Inc. filed a 24-page complaint against the former president and now Pampanga Rep. GMA before the Office of the Ombudsman.
The complainants said the Ombudsman should file 96 counts of malversation and 96 counts of graft against Arroyo for the “whimsical disbursement” of the P38 billion Malampaya fund government revenues off the Camago-Malampaya Reservoir service contract.
They averred that placing Arroyo under preventive suspension would prevent her from suppressing evidence.
The former chief executive is widely known as the political mentor of Vice President Sara Duterte who is expected to run for president in 2028, with Senator Imee Marcos as her running mate.
It may also be recalled that the then-presidential daughter Sara was instrumental in ousting Davao del Norte Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez as Speaker and replacing him with Arroyo.
The House of Representatives is now dominated by politicians loyal to Romualdez who is also reportedly keeping a moist eye on the 2028 presidency.
Some political observers told Maharlika NuMedia that “neutralizing GMA” by booting her out of the lower chamber will somehow enable Romualdez to overtake Sara’s popularity for the 2028 presidential race.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
SPEAKER Martin Romualdez expressed optimism regarding the Philippines’ economic outlook, citing a recent meeting with a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that projected a substantial recovery in the second half of the year.
Romualdez emphasized that the IMF’s assessment was reassuring, indicating that the Philippine economy possessed the potential to rebound robustly in the latter half of 2023 and continue to experience accelerated growth in 2024.
This prediction comes against the backdrop of global economic concerns and potential slowdowns in 2023.
“The IMF’s positive forecast not only instills confidence but also underscores the resilience and dedication of our nation’s citizens. It reflects the effectiveness of the sound economic policies and reforms implemented during the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” Romualdez stated.
He further urged everyone to draw inspiration from the IMF’s encouraging outlook, emphasizing the importance of redoubling efforts to revitalize the nation’s economy.
The Speaker’s office reported that the IMF team specifically acknowledged the forthcoming national budget for 2024, expected to be approved early, as well as various measures aimed at enhancing the country’s competitiveness in attracting foreign direct investments.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives gave its approval on the third and final reading to the proposed 2024 budget of P5.768 trillion, with pending modifications to be addressed by a select committee.
This budgetary allocation marks a pivotal step toward achieving the economic recovery and growth envisioned by both Speaker Romualdez and the IMF. (ai/mnm)
Image Courtesy of: House of Representative
HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday called upon the Department of Health (DoH) and local government units (LGUs) to provide assistance to individuals affected by the volcanic smog, known as vog, originating from Taal Volcano.
He emphasized the importance of helping residents in areas surrounding Taal Volcano, such as Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and even Metro Manila, in dealing with this temporary issue.
Speaker Romualdez urged the DoH and LGUs to distribute N95 face masks and other protective gear to those affected.
He mentioned that Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo informed him that the DoH still has an ample supply of N95 face masks acquired during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In order to shield affected residents from volcanic dust and harmful gases, Speaker Romualdez made this request to the DoH through Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriations.
He suggested that if face masks are currently unavailable, residents could consider using makeshift face coverings such as cloth.
The leader of the 311-member House of Representatives also called upon the DoH and LGUs to be prepared for potential respiratory issues that may arise due to volcanic smog in the affected regions. He recommended prepositioning drugs for respiratory ailments in areas where they might be needed.
Reports on Thursday indicated that haze from Taal Volcano’s emissions had spread over Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Metro Manila, leading to the suspension of classes.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and the air monitoring office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) later clarified that the observed smog originated from vehicle emissions rather than from Taal Volcano. Phivolcs noted that Taal’s emissions were drifting west-westward, away from Metro Manila.
Image Courtesy of: House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Facebook)
By Junex Doronio
EXPECTING A SPIKE of the costs of canned goods and other basic foods as a result of the series of oil price hikes, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez is planning to convince food manufacturers to forego their plans to increase prices of their products.
“Nauunawaan naman namin na maging sila ay apektado. But we will appeal to their sense of compassion and ask them if they can find a way to manage until Christmas,” Romualdez stressed.
He added that supermarket associations will also be invited to a dialogue in order to hear their concerns.
“We will attempt to convince them to at least postpone their plans, if there are any, until after Christmas in the spirit of the Yuletide season. Masyadong mabigat sa bulsa ang sabay-sabay na pagtaas ng mga bilihin kasabay ng pagtaas ng presyo ng krudo,” Romualdez said.
The House Speaker also pointed out that the PBBM administration is doing its best to alleviate the situation of the people, “but what we are experiencing is a world crisis.”
Romualdez is a first degree cousin of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr.
“That’s why various agencies are ready to provide assistance because the government also feels the people’s predicaments,” Romualdez further said. (ai/mnm)