PUBLIC trust in the House of Representatives has surged to its highest level in recent years, capping a strong finish under the leadership of reelected Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as Speaker of the recently concluded 19th Congress.
According to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) national survey, the House’s trust rating significantly climbed over three months, from 34 percent in April 2025 to 49 percent in May, and reaching 57 percent in June.
Romualdez’s personal trust rating also rose steadily, from 23 percent in April to 26 percent in May, and 34 percent by June.
House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante said the numbers reflect deepening public confidence in the institution, especially during a period marked by major national challenges and a politically charged final session.
“Speaker Romualdez united over 300 lawmakers in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision. The public clearly saw that the 19th Congress delivered impactful legislation and oversight that benefitted citizens,” Abante said.
During his tenure, the House passed 61 out of 64 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority bills, including 27 of 28 during the 3rd Regular Session. In total, more than 280 new laws were enacted and over 13,800 measures filed, making the 19th Congress among the most productive in history.
Despite political turbulence, including the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, the chamber remained focused on critical legislation.
Key measures passed include: Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, Expanded Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, Wage board reforms, Tatak Pinoy Act, Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act.
These laws aim to strengthen food security, job creation, and industry development.
In healthcare and education, the House passed laws to expand PhilHealth outpatient benefits, build more specialty hospitals, advance mental health services, and modernize classrooms and teacher training.
On national sovereignty and peace, significant measures included: The Philippine Maritime Zones Act to assert rights in the West Philippine Sea, Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers for global labor protection, Revitalization of the Barangay Development Program for conflict-affected areas.
“These accomplishments raised public expectations. People saw the results and responded with greater trust. The next Congress must match this performance,” Abante said.
“Respect is earned, and Speaker Romualdez earned it through action. That’s the true legacy of the 19th Congress.”
Romualdez is widely expected to retain his post in the 20th Congress, with support from 283 out of 314 House members.
The speakership vote will be held on July 28, ahead of President Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
