Speaker Romualdez eyes more anti-crime, pro-people measures

Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday said that the House of Representatives will continue to pursue measures to rid the country of criminal elements, aside from passing pro-people bills.

Romualdez particularly cited the ongoing probe into the drug war deaths in police operations during the Duterte administration and the crimes linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

“This investigation is a crucial step toward the creation of a blueprint for the formulation of legislative solutions to uphold the rule of law. Criminals have no place in our society and we are leaving no stone unturned to preserve the peace and security in our country,” Romualdez said.

“Inuulit ko: walang puwang ang mga kriminal sa ating lipunan. Hindi natin papayagan na maghari ang mga panginoon at alagad ng kadiliman at kasamaan sa ating bansa. Hindi lamang tayo gumawa ng mga batas para sa bayan; naging bantay din tayo ng taong bayan para sa kanilang kapakanan,” he added.

(I repeat: Criminals have no place in our society, and we won’t allow agents of darkness and evil to eign. We just don’t make laws. We look after the welfare of the people.)

Likewise, the Speaker said that the ongoing congressional inquiry on these matters is focused on holding perpetrators of illicit activities accountable, securing justice for the victims and their respective families, and legislating appropriate remedies.

On the legislative side, Romualdez touted that the House has approved 60 out of the 64 priority measures of the administration.

Of those already approved, 20 have been signed into law, including the latest Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, while four are for the President’s consideration such as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, Imposition of Value Added Tax on Digital Transactions, Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program Act, and Philippine Self-reliant Defense Posture Program Act.  

“We will aim for a 100 percent completion by the end of December 2024 or six months ahead of its intended target,” he said.

“This House of the People - composed of dedicated public servants - has demonstrated their tireless efforts to strengthen the Philippine economy, broaden the range of public service, and reinforce the nation’s trust in our governance. Let us continue riding this wave of hard work and rest with the satisfaction that no matter what, we will always succeed,” he added.—LDF, GMA Integrated News