Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez formally took his oath as the Speaker for the 20th Congress on Monday, July 28, after a majority vote from the plenary.
The oath was administered by Bulacan 6th District Rep. Salvador Pleyto on Monday, before the House of Representatives and Romualdez’s family. The latter expressed his gratitude to the solons who voted in his favor, stating that the renewed trust gave him another chance to serve the Filipino people.
“Ang tiwala ay hindi gantimpala, kundi panibagong hamon. At bawat hamon ay pagkakataon para maglingkod ng mas tapat, mas totoo, mas buo,” Romualdez stated.
“We convene at a time that demands unity of purpose, clarity of vision, and courage of conviction. We are not here to preserve power, but to pursue progress. Not to serve ourselves, but to uplift the lives of our fellow citizens,” he explained.
As the 20th Congress’ Speaker, Romualdez emphasized that their goal had never been to destroy, but to demand the truth. As Speaker, he said that he would be there to protect his fellow citizens, amidst all odds.
“Sisiguraduhin kong walang bubong ang babagsak, walang pader [ang] magigiba, at walang miyembro ang mapapabayaan. Kahit anong bagyo at baha, hindi tayo susuko. Titindig tayo at hindi panghihinaan ng loob. Kasama niyo ako sa pagsalubong ng bagong araw,” he expressed.
As legislators, Romualdez highlighted that it is through the laws they pass and accountability that they uphold do they get the chance to “protect rights, promote equality, and shape the future of democracy.”
The Speaker thanked his fellow representatives for their continued support and commitment to public service. However, he also thanked those who offered different views, stating that their voices enrich their debates, further strengthening democracy.
“This House is your voice, and we are ready to speak up, stand up, and act in your name and for your future. Ang kapulungan na ito ay boses ng taumbayan. At kung boses ng taumbayan ang ating dala, tungkulin natin itong gamitin para sa kanilang karapatan, kabuhayan, at kinabukasan,” he said.
“Let this be a Congress remembered not only for the laws we pass, but for the lives we’ve changed. Not only for the battles we’ve fought, but for the truths we stood for. The judgment that matters most is not that of any single court, but of history, and of course, the people we serve,” he added.
“Mabuhay ang kapulungan ng mga kinatawan. Mabuhay ang sambayang Pilipino,” he concluded.
