PBBM urges House Speaker Martin Romualdez to uphold dynamic working relationships with colleagues

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday encouraged Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to uphold a strong and dynamic working partnership with other colleagues as he extended his birthday wishes to Leyte's First District Representative.

In a video message posted on social media, Marcos thanked Romualdez "for all the good work" he has done as the House Speaker turns 60 on 14 November 2023.

"We, of course, thank you for all the good work that you have done in leading the House of Representatives and the very important part that the House of Representatives, under your leadership, has played in our effort of nation-building," Marcos told Romualdez.

"Let's hope to keep that working relationship strong and vibrant, and I look forward to the years to come where we can do even more good work together," he added.

He also promised Romualdez, his cousin, that they would have a "fine celebration" for his birthday, providing assurance that the Congressman will "continue to provide all of the goodies and treats that are making it difficult for us to keep our weight."

"That is not a complaint, that is a reminder that they're much appreciated," Marcos said.

During the plenary session, the House adopted House Resolution 1463, conveying the chamber's deep gratitude to President Marcos for his invaluable support in fostering unity and integrity within the institution, leading to the realization of a Common Legislative Agenda aimed at building a strong and prosperous nation.

Of the 57 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council priority measures, eight have been successfully enacted into law. Notable among these are the SIM Registration Act, the Postponement of Barangay/SK Elections in 2022, and the Agrarian Reform Debts Condonation. Two measures, the Ease of Paying Taxes and the Amendment to the Build-Operate-Transfer/Public-Private Partnership Code, have received ratification by the bicameral conference committee.

Thirty-five LEDAC bills, including significant initiatives such as the Virology Institute of the Philippines, the Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act (Package 4), and the National Disease Prevention Management Authority, have passed the third reading. Several other measures are currently awaiting consideration at the committee level.

In a noteworthy achievement, the House of Representatives approved 100 percent of the 20 identified LEDAC bills in September, three months ahead of the December deadline.