Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 7) — Over 300 lawmakers from the House of Representatives closed ranks and affirmed support for Speaker Martin Romualdez in the wake of the criticism made against the chamber by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
During the resumption of session Monday following a month-long break, the lower chamber adopted House Resolution 1414 authored by Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr.
The resolution sought to uphold “the integrity and honor of the House of Representatives and expressing appreciation, solidarity and support to the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.”
Before adopting the resolution, the House convened into the committee of the whole to discuss it. This marked the first time in three years that all lawmakers gathered as a panel. The last time it did so was on Oct. 16, 2020 to discuss measures to expedite the government’s COVID-19 response.
During interpellation by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Gonzales admitted that he was prompted to file the resolution after Duterte called the House a “rotten institution” in a televised interview.
“I hate to say this, but when I heard rotten, of course I felt bad about that,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales announced his resignation from PDP-Laban, Duterte’s party, during the session. He was seen hugging PDP-Laban president and Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez after making the announcement.
Representatives from various political parties in the House also expressed their support for Romualdez.
Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia from the National Unity Party said the group appreciates “the efforts of the House leadership in ensuring that this legislative chamber continues to be unified.”
Rizal Rep. Michael John Duavit from the Nationalist People’s Coalition said they remain committed to the chamber.
“In doing so, we also reaffirm our loyalty to this institution,” he added.
