News and Media – Speaker of the House of Representatives

New Year’s Message of Speaker Romualdez

Sa pagpasok ng bagong taon, hatid ko at dasal ang mensahe ng pag-asa at pangako para sa ating bayan.

Ngayong taong ito, mas pinagtibay natin ang ating pagkakaisa at determinasyon upang isulong ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran para sa bawat Pilipino.

Nakatutok tayo sa pagpapalakas ng ating ekonomiya, pagbibigay ng trabaho sa ating mga kababayan, pagpapaigting ng serbisyong panlipunan, at higit sa lahat, ang pagtataguyod ng kapayapaan at kaayusan sa ating bansa. Naniniwala ako na sa pamamagitan ng ating sama-samang pagsisikap, mas marami pa tayong magagawa para sa kinabukasan ng bawat Pilipino.

Harinawa, sa pagdaan ng mga araw, linggo, at buwan ng 2024, patuloy nating makita ang mga bunga ng ating dedikasyon at pagsisikap. Nawa’y maging instrumento tayo ng pagbabago at pag-asa sa ating kapwa.

Sa pagkakaisa, walang imposible. Manalig tayo sa ating kakayahan bilang isang bansa na harapin ang anumang hamon at lumago nang magkasama. Kasama ang buong pamahalaan, nakatutok tayo sa paggawa ng mga hakbang na magdadala ng mas magandang bukas para sa ating lahat.

Magpatuloy tayo sa pagtahak sa landas ng pag-unlad at kapayapaan. Manigong Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat!

Message of Speaker Romualdez on the commemoration of Rizal Day

As we gather today to mark Rizal Day, we pay tribute to a man whose legacy is an eternal flame in the heart of our nation. Dr. Jose Rizal was not merely a hero; he was a visionary whose deep insights and steadfast dedication to freedom laid the cornerstone of our national identity.

In commemorating his life and works, let us remember that Rizal was more than a historical figure; he was a symbol of hope and the epitome of what it means to love one’s country. His bravery in opposing colonial tyranny and his profound affection for the Philippines remain as vital inspirations to us all.

In an era where our sovereignty and national identity face new challenges, we must live by Rizal’s ideals. Let’s foster unity, cherish our cultural heritage, and continue to build a nation that our children can inherit with pride – a nation that fulfills the dreams and aspirations of Dr. Jose Rizal.

I call upon each of us to embrace Rizal’s spirit in our everyday actions. May his courage inspire us to confront our challenges with dignity and integrity. May his wisdom guide our decisions towards the betterment of our beloved country.

This Rizal Day, let’s renew our commitment to the values he stood for: patriotism, bravery, and an unwavering love for the Filipino people. Together, let’s create a future that respects his memory and mirrors the greatness of the Filipino spirit.

Speaker hails PBBM for P170B in actual investments, thousands of jobs created from earlier Japan visit

Speaker Martin Romualdez today extended his heartfelt congratulations and support to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the successful outcomes of his Japan visit earlier this year, which has significantly bolstered the Philippine economy and created jobs for thousands of Filipinos.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently announced that 22 percent, amounting to P170 billion, of the pledged investments from the visit have been realized. These investments stem from 34 letters of intent and agreements, contributing robustly to the country’s economic growth and job creation.

“We are witnessing the fruits of President Marcos Jr.’s strategic international engagements,” said Speaker Romualdez. “These investments are not just numbers; they represent hope, opportunities, and a brighter future for thousands of Filipinos.”

Key investments include the P4.4 billion initiative by Murata Manufacturing for a new production building in Tanauan City, Batangas, creating 3,500 jobs and yielding $1.2 billion in exports. The groundbreaking of the P7-billion Hotel 101 project in partnership with Niseko and DoubleDragon Corp. marks another milestone, expecting to generate $126.7 million in sales revenue.

Further emphasizing the diversity of these investments, Speaker Romualdez highlighted the new Tamiya Corp. factory in Cebu, the renewable energy commitments from Renova Inc., and the environmentally conscious initiatives by MinebeaMitsumi Inc. in their Cebu plant.

“These varied investments reflect our nation’s growing attractiveness as a global investment destination, capable of meeting the needs of diverse industries,” added Speaker Romualdez. “They also align with our commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.”

In total, these investments have generated an impressive 9,700 jobs, significantly contributing to the national employment rate and uplifting the lives of many Filipino families.

Malacanang also reported that Department of Trade and Industry-led (DTI) business event during the President’s participation in the December 15-18 ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo, Japan resulted to P14.5 billion total of indicated investments from Japanese businesses.
Together with the investment agreement signed on February 2023 and the recently-signed agreements, the President said investment commitments from Japanese investors now aggregate P771.6 billion or about US$14 billion, opening up 40,000 job opportunities for Filipinos.
In his address during the signing of new agreements and updates on investment pledges, President Marcos said his administration continues to listen to issues, concerns, and suggestions of investors on “what needs to be done to continue supporting and ensuring their success in the Philippines.”
President Marcos added that his administration takes due note of these “valuable feedbacks,” adding that they work closely with Congress to enact much-needed legislation” that would satisfactorily address such concerns.
“That is why the Speaker of the House of the Representatives of the Philippines is here, accompanying us, on what is essentially is a business delegation but because of the laws in the Philippines dictate that all revenue measures that are undertaken or new laws that are revenue measures must originate from the House of Representatives,” President Marcos told Japanese business leaders.
Speaker Romualdez reiterated his full support for President Marcos Jr.’s vision and efforts in promoting the Philippines as a prime investment location.

“Our collaborative efforts in the government, together with the private sector, are crucial in sustaining this momentum. We are committed to nurturing these partnerships and ensuring that the Philippines continues to thrive as a hub of innovation and economic growth.” (END)

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Romualdez hands over P630K aid package for family of OFW taken hostage by Hamas

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday afternoon facilitated the release of P630,000 worth of assistance package from him and the Marcos administration to the Filipino caregiver who was taken hostage and subsequently released by Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas.

Jimmy Pacheco, 33 years old, was taken by Hamas in Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel during the group’s attack on October 7 against Israel and was released on November 24 through efforts of the Philippine government and other organizations.

“We know that this aid package cannot undo the physical and psychological scars that Jimmy Pacheco suffered while being held hostage in Gaza. We cannot begin to imagine what he has witnessed and what pain he has experienced,” Speaker Romualdez said after personally meeting Pacheco.

“But we do hope that this government assistance will send a message to Jimmy, his family and to all Filipinos that the government is there for you and that it will do everything to show that it cares for you, especially during times of great need,” he added.

Pacheco was accompanied by his wife, Clarice Joy, and his three children: Geyanah Clein, 5 years old; Gillian Carlo, 11 years old; and Ghieann Cayll, 11 years old, as well as his mother Felicitas.

His family received P500,000 in cash from the Office of the Speaker, which he received in person together with his family.

Additionally, Pacheco and his wife received P10,000 each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the program Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

His three children also received P5,000 each in educational assistance, also given under DSWD’s AICS program.

Also, Pacheco and his wife were also granted P95,000 in livelihood assistance: P15,000 under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the DSWD and P40,000 each under the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

The aid packaged totaled P630,000.

“We welcome you home, Jimmy. And you have our gratitude for being a modern-day hero for your family and for your country. Itinuturing nating bayani ang ating mga OFWs na nakikipagsapalaran sa ibang bansa at tinitiis na malayo sa pamilya. We recognize your contribution to nation-building,” Speaker Romualdez said. (END)

SPEAKER ROMUALDEZ MEETS AFP TOP BRASS

HOR-AFP FELLOWSHIP — Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez share a historic moment with National Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, House Committee of Appropriation Chairman and Ako Bicol Party List Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and Camiguin Lone District Rep. Jurdin Jesus “JJ” Romualdo during the HOR-AFP Fellowship at the Tejeros Hall in Camp Aguinaldo. Romualdez assured the AFP of vigorous support from the House of Representatives.

SPEAKER ROMUALDEZ COMMENDS FELLOWS FOR BILLS OUTPUT; BICAM REPORTS ON PRIORITY MEASURES RATIFIED

Before adjourning for the Christmas break, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Wednesday lauded his fellow lawmakers after the House of Representatives (HRep) was able to approve on final reading 20 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority measures three months ahead of schedule. He also recognized them for passing on final reading all 17 State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2023 priority bills seven months before SONA 2024. “We continue to produce landmark legislation that are designed to strengthen the economy, revitalize business, and widen the scope of services provided to our kababayans,” he said. Speaker Romualdez also highlighted that the 2024 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) is being scheduled for submission to the President after the House and the Senate’s timely ratification of the measure’s bicameral report. “The House of Representatives considers it a core mission to utilize the national budget next year to address four major concerns: 1) fight inflation; 2) keep the price of rice and basic food items at affordable levels; 3) provide more jobs and livelihood; and 4) expand social services,” he assured everyone. Speaker Romualdez also recognized that the House is taking a more active role in nation-building by exercising its oversight functions. He bared that the House would prioritize reviewing the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution next year, particularly the restrictions blocking the entry of foreign capital and investments to ultimately “unlock the vast potential of the Philippine economy.” The HRep also ratified the bicameral conference committee reports on the disagreeing provisions of 1) House Bill (HB) 8278 and Senate Bill (SB) 2243 or the proposed “Philippine Salt industry Development Act,” 2) HB 8525 and SB 2426 or the proposed “Tatak Pinoy Act,” and 3) HB 7325 and 2221 or the proposed “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. The HRep will resume session in January 22, 2024. All committees were authorized to conduct meetings and hearings during the holiday break. Deputy Speakers Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco and Raymond Democrito Mendoza also presided over the plenary session.

SPEAKER ROMUALDEZ LAUDS HOUSE FOR BILLS OUTPUT

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message before Congress adjourns for Christmas break at the plenary hall of the House of Representatives Wednesday night.

SPEAKER ROMUALDEZ LEADS AWARDING OF SEAL OF GOOD LOCAL GOVERNANCE

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez joins Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr., Negros Occidental 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, other DILG officials, and the recipients of the 2023 DILG Seal of Good Local Governance Awards for a group photo during the awards rites at the Fiesta Pavillion of Manila Hotel Thursday afternoon.