REELECTED Leyte Rep. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez challenged over 60 neophyte lawmakers to build on the achievements of the 19th Congress and deliver even greater reforms in the 20th Congress.
Speaking at a fellowship dinner at Imelda Hall in the Aguado Residence, Malacañang, Romualdez praised the 19th Congress for its productivity—passing 61 out of 64 priority measures identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), filing over 11,000 bills, and enacting 287 laws.
“Many say, and I agree, it was the most productive and hard-working Congress in recent memory,” he said. “But I believe the 20th Congress may be even better—with you there.”
The gathering marked the conclusion of the Executive Course on Legislation for new lawmakers, organized by the House Secretariat and UP-NCPAG. Romualdez emphasized that legislative work must go beyond attending sessions and filing bills—it must serve people and uplift communities.
He urged the new batch to bring fresh perspectives aligned with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “With your passion and drive, I believe this can be the most dynamic Congress yet,” he said.
The event was attended by congressional leaders, House officials, and emerging young representatives.