DON’T rock the boat.
President Marcos Jr. on Wednesday night reminded lawmakers of the need to ensure a harmonious relationship between the Executive and the Legislative, in the wake of Deputy Speaker Gloria Arroyo’s alleged attempt to oust Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is a first cousin of the Chief Executive.
In a video message played on the floor minutes before the First Regular Session of the House of Representatives was adjourned sine die, the President thanked “our partners in good governance, the members of the House of Representatives, as you continue to tackle the legislative measures that we have put forward to create a better life for all our countrymen.”
“I’d like to thank you for the hard work that you have put in, the cooperation between the Legislative and Executive branches have to be strong, that partnership is so important if we are to move towards the future,” Marcos Jr. said in the video message.
The President also congratulated the House “on the good work that has been done and I look forward to see more of these outcomes from the Lower House as we discuss the important issues of the economy, on public health, job creation, climate change, all the different problems that you and I both face.”
“Remain united, determined, and passionate. Be the voice of the people and fulfill your duties as servant leaders in your respective districts and provinces. Thank you for the cooperation that you have given the Executive and let us make this partnership even stronger,” he said.
The Speaker, who earlier said that the attempt to “destabilize” the House was already “nipped in the bud,” said he was “proud” of his colleagues’ “exemplary performance.”
“Each and every member of this august body truly deserves commendation for a job well done. Congratulations to all of us! When I assumed the post as your Speaker, I invited each one of you to support and join me in fulfilling the aspirations of the Filipino people. For readily heeding this call, I express my sincerest gratitude to everyone,” he told the plenary.
Arroyo, who was demoted last month to the post of regular deputy speaker from senior deputy speaker, has denied plotting a coup against Romualdez, saying that some of her actions “may have been misconstrued.”
The former president, who also became a speaker in the 18th Congress, has also said she was no longer aspiring to regain the speakership even as she admitted she was eyeing the position at the beginning of the 19th Congress last year.
Romualdez reiterated his long-running message of unity, the slogan of the Marcos administration.
“The unity that we have shown in the performance of duty, and our relentless action in keeping the legislative mill grinding to full efficiency, are now reaping fruits for our beloved institution. Public opinion on the performance rating of the House of Representatives is fast reaching an all-time high,” he said.
