PUBLIC trust in the House of Representatives has surged to its highest level in recent memory, capping a productive term for the 19th Congress under the leadership of reelected Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez as Speaker
According to the latest national survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), trust in the House grew dramatically over just three months. From 34 percent in April 2025, the House’s “much trust” rating jumped to 49 percent in May and reached 57 percent by June.
These numbers reflect a deepening confidence in the House of Representatives at a time when national issues have tested the strength and independence of the institution.
The Speaker’s own trust rating followed the same upward trajectory, from 23 percent in April to 26 percent in May and 34 percent in June or 8 percent increase in one month period, demonstrating public recognition of his steady leadership during a politically charged final session.
House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante said these figures validate the gains made by the Romualdez-led House over the past three years.
“Speaker Romualdez has united over 300 lawmakers behind one goal: to help the President fulfill the promise of Bagong Pilipinas. The Filipino people recognize that the 19th Congress got the job done in terms of legislation and oversight functions that truly helped citizens,” Abante said.
She pointed out that under Speaker Romualdez, the House passed 61 of 64 LEDAC-priority measures, including 27 of 28 during the 3rd Regular Session. More than 280 new laws were enacted and over 13,800 measures filed in total, making the 19th Congress one of the most active in recent history.
Despite the political heat generated by the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, Abante said the House stayed focused on legislation that mattered most to Filipinos.
Key laws passed during the period include the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, the expanded Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, wage board reforms, the Tatak Pinoy Act and the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act. These measures targeted food security, job generation and industrial growth.
In education and health care, Congress responded to urgent demands for reform. Laws were enacted to expand PhilHealth outpatient benefits, build more specialty hospitals, support learning recovery, improve mental health access and modernize classrooms and teacher training.
On sovereignty and peace, the House passed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act to reinforce the country’s position in the West Philippine Sea and the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers to ensure global labor protection.
The revitalization of the Barangay Development Program also brought critical support to conflict-affected areas.
Abante said this strong finish has raised public expectations for the next Congress.
“The people have seen the results. They’ve responded with rising trust. The next Congress must build on this trust with the same level of discipline, purpose and productivity,” she said.
Abante added that the record trust ratings sends a strong message, saying, “Respect is earned. And Speaker Romualdez earned it through performance. That is the true legacy of the 19th Congress.”
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