THE House of Representatives on Wednesday declared its vigorous support for Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, defending him from “unfounded” accusations by senators on people’s initiative and calling for adherence to inter-parliamentary courtesy between the two chambers of Congress.
Led by party leaders House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David “Jayjay” Suarez, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, Rizal Rep. Jack Duavit, Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona, Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan, BHW Partylist Rep. Angelica Natasha Co and others, the House of Representatives, held an all-member caucus to address recent developments and growing sentiments among House members.
In their resolution to be filed Monday, members of Congress also denounced the aggressive tactics used by the Senate, which are detrimental to the spirit of cooperative governance and the public’s confidence in parliamentary processes.
“We just had an all-member caucus because some members would like us to gather due to recent developments, including statements from the Senate. Many House members wish to express and gauge the sentiments of their colleagues. As a result, a proposal has been put forward to file a House Resolution from this august chamber. The resolution is scheduled to be filed on Monday, and we will await its submission,” Dalipe told reporters in a press conference.
For his part, Gonzales provided insights into the content of the proposed resolution, saying, “To give you an idea of the resolution… it will express unwavering solidarity and support to the leadership of the Honorable Speaker Ferdinand Martin Gonzales Romualdez.”
“It aims to uphold the integrity and honor of the House of Representatives in the face of intense assault from the Senate, a violation of the principle of inter-parliamentary courtesy and undue interference in its legislative and constituent functions,” Gonzales said.
Asked if the resolution may affect a possible ceasefire with the Senate, Duavit, House leader of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), said, “With due respect to the Senate, sometimes strong statements require strong answers. So hindi naman nakakasakit, strong, yes, but that only shows how serious we take it.”
They said the proposed resolution signifies the House of Representatives’ commitment to unity and solidarity in the face of external challenges.
According to them, the House aims to affirm its dedication to upholding the principles of interparliamentary courtesy and safeguarding its legislative and constituent functions from undue interference.
Last Tuesday, they said the Senate “conducted an investigation without a clear legislative purpose, specifically directed at discrediting” Speaker Romualdez and the House.
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