BY Billy Begas
PDP-Laban president and Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez on Thursday said that his party remains committed to the supermajority formed by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez in the House of Representatives.
At the same time, Alvarez said his party congratulates its national treasurer Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. for having been elected as Senior Deputy Speaker of the 19th Congress.
“We consider the move of the House of Representatives to elevate Rep. Gonzales to the second highest position in the chamber as a recognition of our party mates invaluable contribution to the unprecedented work that the House has accomplished less than a year in our term,” said the PDP-Laban statement released by the office of Alvarez.
The party said the election of Gonzales shows the strong ties and cooperation between the Speaker’s party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and PDP Laban in serving the Filipino people.
The PDP-Laban said its commitment to Romualdez’s supermajority is “part of our continuing efforts to help bring about the reforms needed to propel the country to greater heights.”
“We continue to work hand-in-hand and in close partnership with Speaker Martin Romualdez, who have mobilized a multi-partisan coalition in the House of Representatives to help President (Ferdinand) Marcos deliver his commitment to our people,” the PDP-Laban added.
The party, chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte, said they believe that the priority measures of Marcos will help boost the economy post-pandemic and improve the living condition of the Filipino people.
Meanwhile, House Minority Leader and 4Ps Rep. Marcelino Libanan said his bloc believes that Gonzales “will be a huge asset to the House leadership in his new capacity.”
“He will be able to work closely with the minority bloc in overseeing the passage of legislative reforms that are needed to sustain the country’s economic recovery and improve the quality of life of every Filipino family,” Libanan said.
Libanan also reiterated the full support of the minority bloc to the leadership of Romualdez “who has ably steered the House in delivering unprecedented accomplishments less than a year in our terms.”
“The minority is absolutely committed to our partnership with Speaker Romualdez and the entire House leadership, as we seek common ground to swiftly create more jobs and livelihood opportunities, lift a greater number of households from poverty, and move the country forward,” Libanan added.
