House backs Cabinet reshuffle; Romualdez vows stronger oversight
House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (Photo from the Facebook page of the House of Representatives)
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has thrown its support to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to call for the courtesy resignation of Cabinet officials, with Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez promising a stronger oversight on their part.
Romualdez, in a statement on Thursday said that Marcos’ decision appears to be a necessary step to fine-tune the government and make it more responsive to people’s needs.
“The House of Representatives fully supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to revamp the Cabinet. It is a strong and necessary step – proof that he listens, acknowledges and acts with resolve,” Romualdez said.
“As Speaker and leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives, I commend the President’s courage in demanding accountability and realigning governance. We are ready to work with the new Cabinet to create jobs, lower food prices, and ensure better public service,” he added.
Romualdez said they will continue to partner with the executive by passing important bills and also exercising oversight function over its projects.
“We will sharpen our oversight role and advance his agenda. This is a shared mission by the House and by reform-minded leaders,” the Speaker said.
“What we need now is unity and care,” he said in Filipino.
In a press release from the Presidential News Desk, Marcos said the results of the recently-concluded elections cannot be considered “business as usual”, adding that the people expect better results.
“It’s time to realign government with the people’s expectations,” he said.
READ: Marcos orders courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries
According to the President, officials “who have delivered and continue to deliver will be recognized”, but he reminded that the government “cannot afford to be complacent.”
