House remains united amid calls for new leadership, says spox
The House of Representatives remains united under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez amid the call of Deputy Speaker and Cebu 5th district Rep. Vincent Franco 'Duke' Frasco for a new leadership.
In a press conference, House spokesperson Princess Abante said they respect Frasco's statement, adding that it proves that no one is forcing anyone in the Lower Chamber.
'Iu-underline ko din na there are now at least 280 members of the HOR that showed their support for the continued leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez. When we talk of unity, nakita naman natin 'yung epekto ng united na members of the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez doon sa accomplishments na nakita natin ngayon sa Kongreso,' she said.
(There are now at least 280 members of the HOR that showed their support for the continued leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez. When we talk of unity, we can see the effect of the united members of the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez in the accomplishments of the Congress.)
Frasco was expelled from the National Unity Party for refusing to support Romualdez in the 20th Congress. He said the House is in need of a leadership 'that unites rather than divides.'
Abante said it is clear that Romualdez was able to steer the House in the right direction.
'Most productive'
"For the 19th Congress, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, I am happy to report that the House of Representatives is now one of the most productive Congress in history," said Abante.
She said 11,506 bills and 2,361 resolutions were filed in the House during the 19th Congress. Of the number, 347 resolutions were adopted while 1,493 measures were approved on third and final reading, of which 280 were signed into law.
'Unfortunately, 739 are still pending before the Senate for their approval on 3rd reading. These are not ordinary bills. They are urgent reforms sought by sectors across the country, and they are solutions to the most pressing challenges faced by Filipino families, workers, students, seniors, and OFWs. These are key life-changing bills the Senate has yet to act on,' she said.
Abante said the House is ready to prepare and ratify all pending measures at the bicameral conference committee. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/AOL, GMA Integrated News
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