The House of Representatives is set to dedicate its legislative agenda to addressing the critical needs of ordinary Filipinos as the 20th Congress convenes. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez announced a strong focus on food security, employment, education, and public health, aiming to build an economy that benefits the majority, not just the privileged few.
“We will build an economy not just for the top 1%, but for the struggling 99% — an economy where ordinary people don’t just survive, they succeed,” Speaker Romualdez stated in his address during the resumption of session on Tuesday. He emphasized the House’s commitment to aligning its priorities with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision, bringing government closer to the people.
Key Legislative Pillars
Speaker Romualdez outlined several key areas the House will prioritize:
- Food Security: The House will push for the Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment Act (RICE Act) to ensure a stable supply of affordable rice and protect farmers. Efforts will also be made to eliminate smuggling, hoarding, and price manipulation through improved law enforcement and agricultural reforms. Additionally, plans include expanding irrigation and post-harvest infrastructure, modernizing farming practices, and institutionalizing the Walang Gutom Program in the 2026 national budget to provide monthly electronic food credits for vulnerable families.
- Employment Generation: Legislation will focus on creating dignified and sustainable work by supporting small businesses, enhancing Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) programs, and improving access to capital. The Speaker also backed the President’s initiative to develop industries such as automotive, electronics, biotechnology, and construction to foster long-term job creation.
- Accessible Education: To bridge the gap for underserved learners, the House intends to pass the Last Mile Schools Act and amend the E-GASTPE Law. The ARAL Program will be expanded, and mental health support in schools will be strengthened, reaffirming that “education is a right of every child, not a prize for the privileged.”
- Universal Healthcare: The House aims to achieve zero billing and eliminate out-of-pocket costs in all government hospitals. This will be complemented by deploying more health workers to remote areas and improving access to essential medicines, ensuring that “true compassion is measured in times of need.”
Beyond Basic Needs
Beyond these core areas, Speaker Romualdez also highlighted other crucial priorities:
- Peace and Order: Laws will be enacted to guarantee justice and opportunity, supporting local peace and order councils, law enforcement, and national electrification.
- Defense and Disaster Resilience: The House is committed to fast-tracking defense modernization and enhancing disaster resilience to protect lives and territory.
- Good Governance: A shift towards a more responsive bureaucracy is anticipated through laws that digitalize services, eliminate red tape, and professionalize public service. The Speaker stressed the need for “fast, orderly, and compassionate service.”
A Turning Point for the Nation
Speaker Romualdez urged his colleagues to make the 20th Congress a pivotal moment, not only in lawmaking but in restoring public faith in government. “Let the 20th Congress be a turning point — not just in the laws we pass, but in the lives we changed,” he declared. He called on lawmakers to legislate with compassion and deliver meaningful reforms that truly impact the lives of Filipinos.
“We are the House of the People. Let us be remembered for being worthy of that name,” Speaker Romualdez concluded, emphasizing the chamber’s commitment to serving the Filipino people.
