House leaders highlight oversight in 19th Congress’ achievements, laud Speaker Romualdez

SENIOR congressional leaders lauded the House of Representatives of the 19th Congress for its historic legislative achievements, underscoring the critical role of its oversight function in advancing transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David “Jay-Jay” Suarez, and House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe also commended Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for his transformative leadership that strengthened the chamber’s oversight capabilities.

“The 19th Congress has set a new standard for legislative excellence, not just in passing laws but in ensuring that government programs and agencies are held accountable,” Gonzales said.

“Our oversight function has been a cornerstone of this Congress’ success, and it reflects our commitment to protecting public interest and trust,” added the representative of Pampanga’s third legislative district.

Under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, the 19th Congress has demonstrated unparalleled legislative productivity. From July 25, 2022, to December 27, 2024, the House filed 13,454 measures, including 11,241 bills, 2,212 resolutions, and one petition.

Of these, 166 became Republic Acts—73 national laws and 93 local laws. Also, 1,319 committee reports were submitted during the period.

Across 178 session days, the House processed 4,760 measures, averaging an impressive 12 measures per session day.

These milestones reflect not just legislative efficiency but the chamber’s unwavering dedication to addressing the needs of the Filipino people.

“These statistics underscore our collective effort to deliver results. But beyond the numbers, the true achievement lies in ensuring that the laws we pass and the inquiries we conduct directly benefit the lives of every Filipino,” Dalipe pointed out.

The lawmaker from Zamboanga City’s second district highlighted the critical role of committee inquiries in strengthening governance and shaping impactful policies.

“Oversight is essential in ensuring that laws and programs deliver their intended benefits. This Congress has maximized its investigative powers to address systemic issues and propose real solutions,” Dalipe said.

One of the most notable initiatives was the Quad Committee’s investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), their links to illicit drug trade, money laundering, and extrajudicial killings.

The hearings revealed how POGOs facilitated financial crimes and corruption while exposing troubling patterns of impunity tied to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

“These hearings demonstrated our resolve to protect national interests and uphold human rights,” said Suarez, who represents the second district of Quezon province in Congress.

“The findings led to meaningful recommendations, including stricter gaming regulations, enhanced anti-money laundering measures, and stronger safeguards against abuse of power,” he added.

Another key investigation was led by the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, which scrutinized the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education under Vice President Sara Duterte.

“This inquiry was about upholding transparency and ensuring public funds are used effectively,” Gonzales noted. “It highlighted the importance of stricter oversight mechanisms.”

The leaders also commended the efforts of the Quinta Comm, also known as the Murang Pagkain Super Committee, which tackled agricultural smuggling, price manipulation, and weaknesses in food security programs.

“Our investigations into agricultural smuggling, hoarding, price manipulation, profiteering and cartels are a prime example of oversight in action,” Suarez said.

“We identified gaps in enforcement and accountability, ensuring that future policies address these issues head-on,” he added.

The House leaders credited the vision and leadership of Speaker Romualdez for making oversight a central pillar of the 19th Congress’ legacy.

“Speaker Romualdez has redefined what it means to lead the House. He has made oversight not just a duty but a powerful tool for reform,” Gonzales said. “Under his leadership, the House has become a guardian of public trust and a driver of accountability.”

Dalipe echoed this sentiment, as he emphasized Romualdez’s ability to unite the chamber behind common goals.

“The Speaker’s steady hand and forward-thinking leadership have allowed us to push boundaries, achieve legislative milestones, and ensure that governance is grounded in accountability and service,” he said.

As the 19th Congress approaches its final stretch, Suarez reaffirmed the commitment of the House, under Romualdez’s leadership, to sustaining the momentum of its oversight work.

“The 19th Congress has demonstrated that through strong oversight, we can ensure that every peso, every law, and every program benefits the Filipino people. This is the kind of leadership and legacy we must continue to uphold,” Suarez said.