Speaker Romualdez on 3rd SONA expectations: PBBM to follow up on successes, build on progress of existing programs

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday said he expects President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to follow up on the successes of his administration and build on the progress of existing programs in his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

The Senate and the House of Representatives will convene in joint session at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City as the President addresses not only the entire nation but the rest of the world as to the accomplishments of his administration as well as his plans for the coming years.

“I expect the President to emphasize the importance of unity among all Filipinos, highlighting how collective efforts can lead to national progress. Furthermore, I anticipate a focus on the continued and immediate delivery of essential social services to ensure that the needs of the people are met promptly and effectively,” said Speaker Romualdez, the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives.

“We’re also looking forward to another year of follow-up on the successes and further build-ups on what we still have to continue in many programs of the Marcos administration, specifically ones that cover social amelioration benefits,” he added.

Speaker Romualdez earlier said that the House of Representatives is prepared to receive and act on the legislative agenda that will be outlined by President Marcos Jr. during the upcoming SONA, including the policies he will incorporate in the 2025 national budget.

“The President is expected to propose new laws aimed at simplifying and improving the daily lives of our citizens, addressing issues such as economic development, healthcare, education and infrastructure,” Speaker Romualdez noted.

“These initiatives will be crucial in driving our country forward and enhancing the overall quality of life for all Filipinos,” he further expressed.

Speaker Romualdez and members of the House of Representatives are prepared to “hit the ground running” once the President delivers his promises to the Filipino people, ready to translate his vision “into tangible legislative outcomes.”

President Marcos’ 3rd SONA also marks the opening of the third and last regular session of the 19th Congress.

Speaker Romualdez also gave top marks to the performance of President Marcos Jr. over the past years, saying he has demonstrated “strong leadership” and made significant strides in delivering on his promises from the last SONA.

“His dedication and achievements are truly noteworthy,” he stated.

The lawmaker from Leyte said the House of Representatives has performed above and beyond expectations as it approved all 17 priority measures mentioned by the President in his last SONA.

Five of these priority measures have been enacted into law, namely, the LGU Income Classification (RA 11964), the Ease of Paying Taxes Act (RA 11976), and the Tatak Pinoy Law (RA 11981).

Two other important measures, the New Government Procurement Reform Act and the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act, were signed into law by the President Saturday morning, Speaker Romualdez noted.

Also, the Speaker vowed to prioritize the discussions and approval of the P6.352-trillion 2025 national budget and the remaining Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority bills.