‘Young Guns’ applaud historic achievements of 19th Congress, hail Speaker Romualdez’s unifying leadership

LAWMAKERS belonging to the “Young Guns” bloc on Monday lauded the House of Representatives of the 19th Congress for its historic legislative productivity under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

“The numbers speak volumes about the commitment of this Congress to making a difference. From the filing of 13,454 measures to the enactment of 166 Republic Acts, this is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering focus of all 307 House members on addressing the needs of the Filipino people,” the Young Guns said.

Some of the leaders of Young Guns are Reps. Jay Khonghun (Zambales), Paolo Ortega V (La Union), Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur), Jil Bongalon (Ako Bicol Party-list), Rodge Gutierrez (1-Rider Party-list), Pammy Zamora (Taguig), Margarita “Migs” Nograles (PBA Party-list), Cheeno Miguel Almario (Davao Oriental), Ernesto “Ernix” Dionisio Jr. (Manila), Lordan Suan (Cagayan de Oro City), Mikaela “Mika” Suansing (Nueva Ecija), and Inno Dy V (Isabela).

According to the Young Guns, the record-breaking legislative output is a testament to the collective hard work, collaboration, and dedication of the 19th Congress.

They credited Speaker Romualdez’s unifying leadership for fostering an environment that allowed lawmakers to thrive and deliver for the Filipino people.

“Every member of this Congress, regardless of district or party affiliation, worked tirelessly to ensure that every measure passed uplifts the lives of our constituents. This is governance in action,” the Young Guns emphasized.

Based on data from July 25, 2022 to December 27, 2024, the House under Speaker Romualdez filed 13,454 measures, including 11,241 bills and 2,212 resolutions, with 1,319 committee reports submitted.

The chamber processed 4,760 measures across 178 session days, averaging 12 measures per session day.

“Processing an average of 12 measures per session day is a reflection of this Congress’ unparalleled commitment to legislative excellence. The passage of 166 Republic Acts—73 national and 93 local laws—proves that the Filipino people are at the heart of everything we do,” the Young Guns pointed out.

The Young Guns also hailed the vital role of House committees in uncovering systemic issues and crafting responsive legislation.

They highlighted the Quad Comm’s marathon hearings, which investigated Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), illicit drug trade, land grabbing by Chinese nationals, and extrajudicial killings linked to the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.

“These hearings exposed how POGOs facilitated money laundering, fueled the illegal drug trade, and enabled unlawful land acquisitions. Most chillingly, they revealed a troubling pattern of extrajudicial killings that underscored impunity and abuse of power,” the Young Guns noted.

The findings resulted in calls for stricter gaming regulations, stronger financial crime prevention measures, and a renewed focus on protecting national interests and human rights.

The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability led an inquiry into the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education under Vice President Sara Duterte.

The Young Guns likewise cited the Quinta Comm, also known as the Murang Pagkain Super Committee, which tackled smuggling, price manipulation, and weaknesses in government programs to fight hunger and stabilize food prices.

“This ‘super committee’ has been a key force in holding market abusers accountable and ensuring government programs truly benefit the people,” they said.

As the 19th Congress enters its final stretch, the Young Guns reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining its momentum.

“Every productive session reflects countless hours spent in committee hearings, exposing inefficiencies and crafting solutions that serve the people,” they stressed. “The achievements of this Congress go beyond numbers. They represent hope, progress, and a commitment to nation-building that will leave a lasting legacy.”

The Young Guns emphasized that Speaker Romualdez’s leadership has been instrumental in uniting the chamber and achieving these milestones. “He has set the gold standard for leadership—one that inspires us to continue working harder for the Filipino people,” they said.