HOUSE Special Committee on Bases Conversion Chairman and Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun on Thursday defended the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, emphasizing that the unity and productivity of the House of Representatives stem from mutual trust and respect—not blind obedience.
Khonghun, a House Assistant Majority Leader, made the statement in response to remarks made by Senate President Chiz Escudero suggesting that House members merely follow the Speaker’s orders without exercising independent judgment.
He said such comments are unfair and fail to recognize how Speaker Romualdez leads, which is with consensus, not control.
“Walang sunod-sunuran dito sa Kamara. We work together kasi may tiwala kami sa isa’t isa, at naniniwala kami sa leadership ni Speaker. Hindi niya tayo pinipilit, hinahayaan niya kaming magdesisyon base sa sarili naming prinsipyo at pananaw,” Khonghun said.
Khonghun said Speaker Romualdez’s style of leadership has encouraged open dialogue and mutual respect among lawmakers.
“Kaya hindi natin maunawaan at matanggap ang statements ni SP Chiz. Sa mga tunay na nakakakilala kay Speaker Romualdez, alam na hindi siya imposing o bossy. Marunong siyang makinig, at binibigyan niya ng opportunity ang lahat ng miyembro na magsalita at magpaliwanag,” Khonghun explained.
According to Khonghun, the results speak for themselves. Almost all of the priority bills under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and the Common Legislative Agenda of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. have already passed the House.
“Kung sunod-sunuran lang kami, wala siguro kaming ganitong klaseng output. Pero dahil may maayos na direction at solid na teamwork, nagagawa namin ‘yung trabaho,” he said.
Khonghun said that being united does not mean everyone thinks the same, it means they are focused on the same goal.
He emphasized that each member votes according to their conscience and the needs of their constituents.
“Ako, may sarili akong paninindigan. Pero kung alam kong makakatulong sa Zambales at sa buong Pilipinas, syempre susuportahan ko. Hindi dahil iniutos, dahil tama lang talaga,” he stressed.
Khonghun also highlighted that Speaker Romualdez consistently consults with House members and respects dissent.
“Tingnan na lang natin ‘yung resulta. Hindi kami perfect, pero grabe ‘yung sipag at trabaho ng mga kasama ko. At kung may unity man sa Kamara, it’s because we all want the same thing, which is makatulong sa mga Pilipino.”
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