Speaker Romualdez: Defense, education, healthcare to be prioritized when session resumes

Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday said Congress would prioritize laws for stronger national defense and expanded access to education and healthcare when the second regular session of the 19th Congress resumes on April 29.

“As we embark on another session this April 29th, our legislative focus sharpens on the dual imperatives of national security and robust development," said Romualdez during the New Initiatives to Grow Business in the Philippines forum.

"Recognizing that peace is the cornerstone of prosperity, we aim to enact laws that fortify our national defense and enhance our international security posture.”

The Speaker added that these initiatives were critical in maintaining sovereignty and stability, enabling the country to pursue development goals without the shadow of external threats.

These efforts targeting pivotal areas such as healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure would be made simultaneously.

In healthcare, Romualdez said Congress would work on expanding access and improving the quality of services, as well as making healthcare affordable and accessible to every Filipino.

As for education, Romualdez said Congress would push for a more liberalized system that meets global standards and equips the youth with the necessary skills to thrive, including provisions for an enhanced digital infrastructure.

“The relationship between peace, security, and development is not linear but cyclical and self-reinforcing. By strengthening peace and security, we create an environment conducive to economic activities and development initiatives. These, in turn, stabilize our nation by reducing poverty, creating jobs, and improving living standards, which in turn diminishes the likelihood of social unrest,” he said.

“This virtuous cycle is fundamental to sustainable development and is a cornerstone of our legislative agenda.”

The Speaker added that Congress, on top of accelerating these initiatives, would also explore innovative legislative measures that promote technological advancement and environmental sustainability.

“These initiatives are designed to ensure that the Philippines not only keeps pace with global trends but also sets a benchmark for innovation and responsible governance,” he said.

“To achieve these ambitious goals, we invite all sectors of society to engage with us. Your insights, expertise, and participation are invaluable as we forge a path forward. Through collaborative efforts, we can build a future that reflects our highest aspirations and fulfills the promise of prosperity and peace for all Filipinos,” he added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News