SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday urged his fellow lawmakers to take pride in the accomplishments of the 19th Congress, declaring that the House of Representatives has risen to the challenge of governance and legislation with unity and measurable progress under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
“Let me say this with pride: This House of the People delivered,” Speaker Romualdez said as he addressed his colleagues during the resumption of session at the House of Representatives.
“Of the 28 LEDAC priority bills, we acted on 27. For the broader Common Legislative Agenda, we approved 61 out of 64,” Speaker Romualdez added.
Speaker Romualdez also reaffirmed support for landmark digital and technological legislation.
“Let us pass the Open Access in Data Transmission Act — to make fast, reliable internet accessible to every barangay,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He urged the chamber to act on the E-Governance Act, which aims to integrate and digitize government services.
“Let us finalize the E-Governance Act — so that public services become faster, smarter, and less prone to red tape,” Speaker Romualdez said.
Speaker Romualdez also called for the passage of the country’s first comprehensive law on Artificial Intelligence, saying innovation must never come at the cost of our humanity.
“Let us pass the first-ever Philippine legislation on Artificial Intelligence — to embrace innovation, while protecting ethics, privacy, and human dignity,” he said.
He threw the House’s full backing behind the P20 rice program of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., adding that it is the moral obligation of government to do everything in its power to bring affordable rice to every Filipino table.
“Let us support the ₱20 rice program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. — not just as a national policy, but as a promise to every Filipino family struggling to make ends meet,” he said.
Speaker Romualdez emphasized that the numbers represented more than just legislative productivity, and that they meant concrete improvements for Filipino lives.
“But this isn’t about numbers – it’s about lives,” he noted.
Speaker Romualdez cited several key laws that were passed under his leadership, including measures to combat smuggling and support local agriculture.
“We cracked down on smugglers and hoarders who make basic goods unaffordable for ordinary families,” he expressed. “We gave stronger support to our rice farmers – with P30 billion a year for seeds, mechanization and productivity.”
The House also passed measures aimed at building a competitive workforce and safeguarding the rights of overseas Filipino workers.
“We passed laws to fix job-skills mismatches, invest in young workers and prepare our people for the demands of a modern economy … We passed the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers – to give dignity and protection to those who power our global maritime reputation,” Speaker Romualdez stated.
“These are real solutions to real problems – not just speeches, not just slogans. Tunay na malasakit, tunay na pagbabago,” he continued.
The House leader also took the opportunity to welcome colleagues who won reelection.
“To those who prevailed — congratulations.
The people have placed their trust in you once again. Carry that trust with honor, humility, and courage. Use your renewed mandate to fight even harder for their needs, for their hopes, and for a future where no Filipino is left behind.
And to the rest of my colleagues — saludo po ako sa inyo,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“Your service in this Chamber will not be forgotten. Hindi man kayo nabigyan muling panibagong termino, tandaan ninyo: you were part of something bigger than any one election,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He acknowledged their contribution to the success of the current Congress.
“You helped pass laws. You shaped debate. You served your districts with passion and integrity. You gave your all – and the Filipino people saw it,” Speaker Romualdez said. “Your legacy is now woven into the fabric of this Congress. At kahit wala na kayo rito sa susunod na panahon, mananatili kayong bahagi ng tagumpay ng 19th Congress.”
Speaker Romualdez attributed the achievements of the 19th Congress not to political dominance but to a culture of collaboration and shared purpose.
“We bridged divides. We reached across parties. We listened to one another, debated one another, but in the end – we voted for the Filipino,” he said.
“We showed that in the face of challenge, this House stood strong. We chose country over color, service over self. This is the power of democracy. This is the spirit of Bagong Pilipinas.”
The House of Representatives processed an impressive volume of legislative work during the 19th Congress, with 13,868 measures filed between July 25, 2022, and May 28, 2025.
Of this number, 11,506 were bills, and 2,361 were various forms of resolutions. The chamber also submitted 1,451 committee reports and ultimately approved 1,493 measures on final reading, including 280 Republic Acts – 93 national and 187 local laws
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