QC solon vows continued ‘Aksyon Agad’ program

Representative Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde formally took his oath Thursday for his second term as representative of Quezon City’s first district, vowing to continue the programs and reforms he began in his first term.

Atayde was sworn in by Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan.

"Today we formally took our oath before Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan of the Supreme Court as your Congressman in the First District of Quezon City,” Atayde said.

“Our oath-taking is not just a simple ceremony, but a meaningful declaration of our responsibility and commitment to the nation and to you, my constituents in District One,” he added.

The reelected lawmaker emphasized that the oath was both a renewal of his duty and a challenge to serve his constituents more effectively.

“I know the weight of the responsibility that comes with this oath, which is why I wholeheartedly promise that we will continue what we have started and further intensify public service,” Atayde said.

During his first term, Atayde authored or supported several key pieces of legislation, including the Eddie Garcia Act, which aims to improve working conditions in the entertainment industry; the Internet Transactions Act, designed to protect online buyers and sellers; and the New Government Procurement Act, which promotes transparency in public spending.

He also advocated for laws improving healthcare access, such as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of specialized medical centers nationwide, and the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, aimed at securing better working conditions and benefits for the country’s maritime workforce. To combat inflation and protect farmers and consumers, Atayde supported the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, a measure targeting large-scale agricultural smuggling.

“As your representative for the second time, this is a new signal to address the other needs of the district, not only by delivering government services but, most importantly, by promoting meaningful laws that will advance the welfare not only of our constituents but of all Filipino citizens,” Atayde said.

Atayde, also a veteran actor, was joined at the oath-taking by his father, businessman Art Atayde, and his cousin, administrative officer Gab Atayde.